Congo will engage in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola, shifting its previous refusal for direct negotiations. The conflict has seen escalating violence and humanitarian crises, with many displaced. The involvement of foreign troops and the investigation of reported rights abuses highlight the seriousness of the situation. Discussions on U.S. investment have emerged amidst these developments.
The government of Congo announced its participation in peace talks in Angola with the M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda and have taken control of vital regions in eastern Congo. A delegation from Congo is in Luanda for these discussions, as confirmed by Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi. Previously, Tshisekedi had rejected direct negotiations with the M23 group.
The M23 delegation is also present in Luanda, as stated by their spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. The conflict intensified in January when the M23 rebels captured the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February, exacerbating tensions in the region.
Angola is mediating these negotiations, having announced the peace talks scheduled for Tuesday. Previous attempts for peace between Congo and Rwanda were disrupted last December after Rwanda insisted on direct conversations between Congo and M23, which were initially rejected by Congo.
Tshisekedi had firmly stated, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross” during a speech to diplomats in January. The M23 forms part of around 100 armed groups competing for influence in eastern Congo, a region known for its mineral wealth, where over 7 million individuals have been displaced due to ongoing conflict.
According to U.N. experts, around 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23, which has at times threatened to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of Congo. The U.N. Human Rights Council initiated a commission to investigate reported atrocities, including serious human rights violations by both sides in the conflict.
Recently, the U.S. State Department expressed interest in a mining partnership with Congo, signaling potential cooperation following discussions initiated with Rep. Ronny Jackson, U.S. special envoy to Congo. Jackson emphasized the importance of establishing peace to facilitate investments from American companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congo’s commitment to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebels signals a significant shift in its approach to resolving the ongoing conflict. While past negotiations have faced setbacks, Angola’s mediation could offer new opportunities for dialogue. The humanitarian crisis in the region remains dire, compounded by foreign military involvement and human rights concerns, underscoring the critical need for peace and stability in eastern Congo.
Original Source: apnews.com
