M23 rebels will send a delegation to peace talks with the DRC government in Luanda, signifying a change in DRC’s refusal to negotiate. The talks, mediated by Angola, aim to address ongoing conflict rooted in historical tensions and disputes over resources. Thousands have died, and many more are displaced due to the violence.
M23, the Rwandan-backed rebel group, announced it would send a five-member delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government in Angola’s capital, Luanda. This decision, made at the request of Angolan authorities, marks a significant shift as it comes after Kinshasa’s previous refusal to negotiate with the group.
President Felix Tshisekedi’s office confirmed that DRC would also send representatives to the talks, indicating a willingness to engage in dialogue to resolve ongoing tensions. The Angolan government has been facilitating discussions aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire and reducing conflicts between the DRC and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 rebels.
The situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated over the years, primarily due to the repercussions of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for the country’s mineral wealth. M23 has recently expanded its territorial control, capturing major cities and numerous areas in eastern DRC, escalating the long-standing crisis.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, with the DRC government reporting over 7,000 fatalities in combat since January and displacing at least 600,000 individuals since November, according to the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
The peace talks in Angola represent a critical opportunity for dialogue between the DRC government and the M23 rebels, reflecting a shift in policy from Kinshasa. Facilitated by Angola, these negotiations aim to address longstanding grievances stemming from historical conflicts and current territorial disputes, emphasizing the need for ceasefire to alleviate humanitarian crises in the region.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
