M23 rebels backed by Rwanda will attend peace talks in Angola, reversing DRC’s prior refusal to negotiate. Angola mediates to achieve a ceasefire amid a prolonged conflict that has resulted in significant casualties and displacement in the region.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, announced their intention to send a five-member delegation to peace talks scheduled to start in Luanda, Angola. This decision, communicated by M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka via a post on X, aligns with a request from Angolan authorities.
In a shift from its previous stance, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, also confirmed it will send representatives to these talks. This development marks a significant change from Kinshasa’s long-held position against negotiating with the M23.
Angola has taken on the role of mediator to establish a sustainable ceasefire and reduce tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has allegedly supplied arms to the M23 insurgents. Rwanda maintains that its military involvement is purely defensive against threats from the Congolese army and local militias.
The underlying conflict dates back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and centers around the struggle for control over Congo’s extensive mineral wealth. In 2023, the situation deteriorated further, with the M23 capturing territories including eastern Congo’s major cities.
According to the DRC government, since January, over 7,000 individuals have died due to the ongoing hostilities, and more than 600,000 people have been displaced from their homes, as reported by the U.N. humanitarian affairs office.
The M23 rebels’ engagement in peace talks represents a crucial step amid ongoing tensions in the region. While both the rebels and the DRC government are set to negotiate in Angola, broader implications include addressing the historical roots of the conflict and the role of foreign intervention in the region. The situation remains dire, with significant casualties and displacement in eastern Congo.
Original Source: www.marketscreener.com
