The Democratic Republic of Congo will join peace talks in Angola on March 18 to address conflicts with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. President Tshisekedi, who previously opposed negotiations, may adjust his position due to military defeats. M23 has made demands, including a public commitment from Tshisekedi for direct negotiations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to participate in peace talks in Angola, addressing the ongoing conflict with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The Congolese presidency announced that a delegation will head to Luanda on March 18 to engage in direct negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern Congo.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi has historically rejected dialogue with the M23 group but may reconsider this stance following military setbacks and decreasing regional support. Presidency spokesperson Tina Salama noted that the delegation’s composition remains unspecified at this point.
The M23 rebels acknowledged receiving the invitation from Angola for talks and have outlined their demands. Their spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that they expect Tshisekedi to publicly affirm his willingness to negotiate directly with them, underscoring the tensions that must be addressed in the upcoming discussions.
The DRC’s participation in peace talks facilitated by Angola marks a significant shift in strategy regarding the conflict with M23 rebels. With increased military losses and reduced regional backing, President Tshisekedi may be compelled to negotiate. The M23’s expectations for a public commitment to dialogue illustrate the complexities of securing lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
