The M23 group has accepted Angola’s mediation offer for peace talks with the DRC, seeking clarifications on DRC’s involvement and emphasizing the need for stakeholder engagement. The group’s statement reflects concerns about military solutions and calls for adherence to previous summit resolutions. Regional bodies like SADC reaffirm support for the peace process and urge a ceasefire.
The M23 group has officially accepted Angola’s mediation offer regarding the conflict with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), set to commence later this month. While welcoming this initiative, M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, emphasized the need for clarifications concerning the DRC’s participation, referencing previous statements suggesting the DRC would not engage in dialogue.
M23 urged President Felix Tshisekedi to publicly affirm his commitment to direct negotiations with the group. Furthermore, they requested that the mediation team incorporate all relevant stakeholders into the mediation process, as their familiarity with the proposal came from social media rather than formal channels.
The M23 statement underscored that a military solution could not adequately resolve the ongoing crisis in the DRC, which continues to exacerbate conflicts throughout the country. The group also sought clarifications on how previous resolutions from the joint summit of the EAC and SADC, held on February 8 in Dar es Salaam, would be implemented.
This statement coincides with a recent communique from SADC reiterating support for the Luanda/Nairobi peace processes and announcing the withdrawal of its troops from Eastern DRC. The communique acknowledged the UN Security Council resolution guiding a sustainable solution while endorsing regional efforts from various organizations, including the AU and EAC.
Last month, the joint EAC/SADC summit designated former leaders Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and Hailemariam Boshe of Ethiopia to facilitate peace initiatives in Eastern DRC. The communique concluded by urging all parties, including M23, to uphold a ceasefire and refrain from further advances in Eastern DRC as part of the peace effort.
The M23 group’s acceptance of Angola’s mediation offer represents a significant step towards addressing the ongoing crisis in the DRC. However, the group’s insistence on clarification regarding the DRC’s involvement and the inclusion of all stakeholders highlights the complexities of the negotiations. The commitment from regional organizations and the call for ceasefire underscore the necessity for enduring peace in the region.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
