Angola is working to facilitate direct talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels, seeking to reduce ongoing violence in eastern DRC. President Tshisekedi remains opposed to negotiating with M23, citing territorial gains. Regional peace processes, the Luanda and Nairobi initiatives, face challenges in alignment and effectiveness amid escalating tensions and accusations of foreign intervention.
Angola is attempting to facilitate direct talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group. This initiative follows a visit by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to Luanda, motivating optimism for reduced violence in eastern DRC and avoiding escalation into a broader regional conflict, as reported by Xinhua.
Historically, the DRC has declined to engage directly with the M23, which the UN claims is backed by Rwanda, a statement firmly denied by Kigali. Ongoing discussions are critical for peace efforts, which are currently stalled due to regional disagreements. President Tshisekedi’s meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco emphasizes Angola’s role in the Luanda Process, an African Union-endorsed initiative aimed at mitigating tensions in the region.
The DRC perceives negotiating with M23 as unacceptable, with President Tshisekedi declaring that he will never negotiate with them. The DRC concerns arise from M23’s territorial gains in the eastern provinces, where affiliated groups like the Congo River Alliance (AFC) have asserted their own authority. “Never, ever, as long as I am president… will I have in front of me the delegation of the M23 or the AFC… to negotiate,” stated Tshisekedi.
In response to Angola’s mediation efforts, Tshisekedi’s spokesperson described it as a hopeful approach and noted that Kinshasa awaits its implementation. The Luanda Process was previously interrupted in December when a planned summit was abandoned after Rwanda’s President Kagame did not attend, blaming the DRC’s stance on negotiations.
Amid these tensions, the DRC is also looking to revive the Nairobi Process, an initiative led by the East African Community designed to facilitate dialogues with various armed factions, including the M23. However, the Nairobi Process is also at a standstill due to the DRC’s refusal to include the M23, which it regards as a proxy agent of foreign powers.
This conflict can be traced back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, leading to enduring ethnic tensions. Rwanda accuses the DRC military of collaborating with Rwandan rebel groups involved in the genocide, further complicating the situation. The escalating violence threatens to widen into a regional conflict, with warnings from leaders such as Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye expressing concerns.
Despite efforts for African-led solutions, alignment of priorities between different regional blocs remains uncertain. Leaders from the EAC and SADC have met to combine their respective initiatives into a cohesive strategy, appointing facilitators for this joint process. However, Kinshasa insists on an organizational alignment to elevate both processes, ensuring comprehensive engagement across stakeholders and compliance under the African Union’s auspices.
Additionally, an extraordinary summit of SADC heads of state is convening to address security in the DRC, including discussions on the status of military operations in the eastern regions. This mission was established in December 2023 to enhance collaboration with the DRC military against local armed factions.
Angola aims to mediate direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels, following DRC President Tshisekedi’s visit. The DRC remains adamant about not negotiating with M23 due to ongoing territorial and political tensions, exacerbated by historical conflicts tied to Rwanda. Meanwhile, regional initiatives like the Luanda and Nairobi Processes are under discussion for alignment, highlighting the complexities of achieving lasting peace amid rising violence and conflicting interests in the region.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
