M23 rebels to attend peace talks in Luanda, Angola, with the DRC government, reversing previous negotiation refusals. Organized by Angola, these talks aim to mediate lasting peace amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises resulting in thousands of deaths and displacements in eastern Congo.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are set to send a five-member delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government in Luanda, Angola, starting on Tuesday. This delegation is traveling at the request of Angolan authorities, as confirmed by Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance, which includes M23.
In a notable shift, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office announced that Kinshasa would also participate in the talks, reversing its previous stance against negotiating with the M23 group. Angola has played a crucial role in mediating efforts for a lasting ceasefire to ease tensions between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, which is accused of supplying arms and soldiers to assist the rebel group.
Rwanda claims its military actions are defensive, aimed at protecting against the Congolese army and militias perceived as threats. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, rooted in historical grievances stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has intensified recently, with M23 seizing control of new territories, including significant urban areas.
Congo’s government reports over 7,000 fatalities linked to the violence since January and notes that more than 600,000 individuals have been displaced since November, as stated by the U.N. humanitarian affairs office. The situation remains dire, requiring urgent international attention and sustained diplomatic efforts to achieve peace.
The anticipated talks in Angola represent a crucial step towards resolving ongoing tensions between M23 rebels and the Congolese government. With both parties now willing to negotiate, there is a potential pathway to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that has left thousands dead and many more displaced. Continued international mediation will be vital in achieving a sustainable resolution to this long-standing conflict.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
