Angola is attempting to facilitate direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels following a meeting between DRC President Tshisekedi and Angolan President Lourenco. The DRC’s refusal to negotiate with the M23 complicates peace efforts, as regional tensions persist amid historical conflicts. Recent developments suggest attempts to align various peace initiatives in a bid to resolve ongoing violence.
On March 13, Angola announced its intention to facilitate direct negotiations between the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group. This initiative followed a visit by DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to Luanda, leading to hopes for a reduction in ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC that could potentially escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Despite Angola’s efforts, the DRC has consistently refused to engage in talks with the M23, which it views as an illegitimate armed group allegedly backed by Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda denies. This refusal marks a significant barrier to reviving peace discussions that have stalled amid differing regional positions.
President Tshisekedi and Angolan President Joao Lourenco met in Luanda to discuss this peace initiative, which is part of the Luanda Process supported by the African Union (AU). Tshisekedi has publicly declared that he will not negotiate with the M23 or affiliated groups, emphasizing that “Never, ever, as long as I am president of the DRC, will I have in front of me the delegation of the M23 or the AFC there… to negotiate.”
Negotiations regarding the Luanda Process have been stagnant since late 2022, when a planned summit between Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame was abruptly canceled, with tensions exacerbated by disagreements over direct talks with the M23. Concurrently, the DRC is exploring the revival of the Nairobi Process, a peace initiative facilitated by the East African Community (EAC), although this initiative has also encountered challenges due to the DRC’s exclusion of the M23 from discussions.
The conflict between the DRC and M23 has historical roots, tracing back to the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and subsequent ethnic conflicts. Accusations from the DRC against Rwanda concerning its support for the M23 are countered by claims from Rwanda of DRC’s alliances with groups implicated in the genocide.
The ongoing operations of the M23 and fighting in DRC threaten to spiral into widespread regional warfare, with concerns voiced by regional leaders. The response has included calls for merged peace initiatives from various African leaders aiming for cohesive resolutions.
Recent discussions in Dar es Salaam have led to combined efforts to enhance the Nairobi and Luanda processes, with the appointment of prominent figures as facilitators. However, DRC officials insist on aligning these processes effectively under the African Union, highlighting distinct objectives between them. This alignment aims to ensure a unified approach to resolving the conflict.
Additionally, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) plans to convene an extraordinary summit to address the security situation in the DRC, where discussions may also revolve around the potential withdrawal of its military forces working alongside DRC troops against armed groups in the eastern regions.
Angola is actively seeking to mediate direct talks between the DRC and the M23 rebels to address escalating tensions in the region. However, the DRC remains firm in its refusal to negotiate with the M23, underlining significant hurdles in the peace processes. Historical contexts, alongside recent initiatives to align regional peace efforts, reflect the complexities of achieving stability in the DRC. Continued military and diplomatic efforts will be necessary to navigate these challenges and prevent broader conflict.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
