Angola will host direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels on 18 March. This follows the Congolese government’s acknowledgment of the initiative amid escalating conflict. Humanitarian crises continue as violence surges, leading to fatalities and displacement. Regional implications raise fears of wider conflict as the situation unfolds.
Angola’s presidency has announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels are set to commence on 18 March in Luanda. This initiative, aimed at establishing a ceasefire amidst rising tensions, came after Angola’s attempt to mediate the conflict, which has historical ties to allegations of Rwandan support for the M23 group, claims Rwanda denies.
Despite prior refusals, the Congolese government acknowledged Angola’s proposal on Tuesday. A spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi conveyed that the government had received an invitation from Angola for the talks but did not confirm attendance. M23 leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, emphasized the urgency of negotiations to resolve a crisis that has escalated significantly since January.
An extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit will address the DRC situation, focusing on regional armed forces’ roles in eastern Congo. This comes as M23 rebels continue their offensive, having captured Goma and Bukavu, and are advancing in smaller villages.
The conflict has deep roots in Rwanda’s historical genocide and control over Congo’s mineral wealth, including coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium, critical for technological advancement and clean energy. The violence has resulted in at least 7,000 deaths and displaced over 600,000 individuals since November, according to the UN OCHA.
Human Rights Watch has raised alarms regarding the deteriorating civic space under M23 control, noting instances of intimidation, arrests, and killings of activists and journalists. This alarming trend has been observed in increasingly wider areas in North and South Kivu, often facilitated by Rwandan forces. The regional military presence from neighboring countries like Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa raises concerns about a larger conflict akin to the catastrophic Congo wars of the past decades.
The upcoming peace talks underscore Angola’s commitment to mediating the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels. The situation remains critical, with significant humanitarian repercussions, and the involvement of regional players heightens the risk of broader warfare. Continued international monitoring and support may be essential to ensuring the negotiations yield a stable and lasting resolution.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
