M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, will attend peace talks with the DRC government in Angola. This marks a shift as the DRC changes its stance against negotiations. Angola aims to mediate a ceasefire amid ongoing conflict fueled by historical tensions and resource struggles, leading to significant humanitarian issues.
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels plan to send a five-member delegation to peace talks in Luanda, Angola, seeking dialogue with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government. This decision comes at the request of Angolan authorities, as confirmed by Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the M23 alliance. The talks will commence on Tuesday, marking a shift in the Congolese government’s previous position of refusing negotiations with the group.
President Felix Tshisekedi’s office announced Kinshasa’s participation in the talks, despite earlier vows against engaging with M23. Angola aims to mediate a lasting ceasefire to reduce tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. The situation is complicated by allegations of Rwandan military support for M23 against Congolese forces.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has historical ties to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and centers around the struggle for access to Congo’s rich mineral resources. The conflict has intensified throughout this year, with M23 reclaiming territory, including major cities and numerous smaller locations.
Congo’s government reports at least 7,000 fatalities and over 600,000 displacements attributed to the fighting since November, as indicated by the U.N. humanitarian affairs office.
The attendance of M23 rebels at the peace talks in Angola signifies a potential shift in dialogue between the warring factions. With the Congolese government also agreeing to participate, there is hope for a reduction in hostilities. The historical context of the conflict and ongoing humanitarian crises underline the urgency of these discussions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
