M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, will attend peace talks with the DRC government in Angola, reversing previous stances against negotiation. The talks aim to establish a ceasefire and ease tensions, amid a conflict that has led to thousands of deaths and displacements this year.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels announced their participation in peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government, scheduled to start in Angola’s capital, Luanda. A five-member delegation, as per spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, is set to depart on Monday, responding to requests from Angolan authorities. This development comes after President Felix Tshisekedi’s office indicated that Kinshasa would also be sending representatives to the talks, marking a shift from the government’s previous refusal to engage with the M23 group.
Angola’s efforts are aimed at mediating a sustainable ceasefire and reducing tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which is accused by the UN of supplying arms and personnel to the M23 rebels. Rwanda defends its military actions as self-defense against aggression from the Congolese army and local militias hostile to its national interests.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has its roots in the fallout from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing disputes over control of mineral resources. Recently, the M23 has made significant territorial gains, capturing territories including the two largest cities in eastern Congo. Reports indicate that the conflict has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities this year, with approximately 600,000 people displaced since November, according to the UN humanitarian office.
The participation of M23 rebels in peace talks in Angola is a noteworthy shift in diplomacy regarding the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With Angola mediating, both sides aim for a ceasefire and a reduction in hostilities. Increased military activity by M23, enabled by external forces, complicates the situation, highlighting the long-standing geopolitical challenges the region faces and its impact on civilian populations.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
