General Sultani Makenga of the M23 rebel group welcomes direct peace talks with the government of the DRC, scheduled for March 18 in Angola. He criticizes President Tshisekedi’s leadership, citing systemic discrimination against Rwandophones. Makenga underscores the M23’s fight for survival and justice, asserting their defensive stance amid ongoing violence from government forces.
General Sultani Makenga, the military commander of the M23 rebel group, has expressed support for the upcoming peace talks with the Congolese government, scheduled for March 18 in Luanda, Angola. During an interview with Alain Destexhe on March 12, he acknowledged ongoing communications with Angola but indicated that they have yet to receive any responses from Kinshasa regarding the negotiations.
The announcement of the talks came after Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Angolan President João Lourenço. Tshisekedi has historically opposed direct discussions with the M23 rebels, often branding them adversely. Makenga referred to Tshisekedi as “a bandit” and asserted the group’s fight is centered on survival and justice for the Congolese people.
Previous negotiations in the DRC’s protracted conflict consistently sidelined the M23. However, the latest announcement indicates a shift, with the Angolan presidency confirming that delegations will engage in direct discussions on March 18. Makenga’s criticisms highlight the rebels’ grievances against the Congolese leadership, stressing their commitment to address ethnic discrimination and systemic injustice in eastern DRC.
The conflict has seen a coalition of government forces, including FDLR militias and foreign troops, fight against the M23 since 2021. The formation of the Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC) in December 2023 signified a broader union among various armed factions, with Makenga leading this collective effort to resist oppression.
Makenga emphasized their defensive stance, stating they would cease military offensives unless provoked. He articulated that the M23 took up arms to protect themselves from annihilation, citing an instance of a village attack targeting Tutsi-sympathetic inhabitants as evidence of the ongoing violence and need for reconciliation.
The M23’s recent capture of Goma and Bukavu was not initially a strategic aim; instead, it was a response to escalating threats from the Congolese army. Makenga voiced that the control achieved has allowed for greater stability in the region, although they remain under attack from government drones, complicating efforts for peace.
In summary, General Sultani Makenga’s approval of the Angola-mediated peace negotiations marks a significant development in the resolution of the DRC conflict. The upcoming talks represent an unprecedented opportunity for dialogue between the M23 and the Congolese government, promising a potential path towards addressing ethnic injustices and conflicts in the region. However, ongoing violence indicates that achieving lasting peace will require thorough commitment and cooperation from all parties involved.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
