M23 has accused the DRC government of attempting to sabotage peace talks in Angola by conducting airstrikes on populated areas. A ceasefire has been called by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, while Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has yet to engage with M23 in negotiations amid ongoing territorial conflicts in eastern DRC supported by Rwandan troops.
The Rwanda-backed armed group M23 has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government of attempting to obstruct direct peace talks scheduled to take place in Angola. According to the M23 spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, the DRC regime is allegedly bombing densely populated areas using fighter jets and drones to sabotage these negotiations. Kanyuka expressed these concerns in a statement on X, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
M23 has acknowledged an invitation from Angola for “direct dialogue” set for Tuesday in Luanda, but the DRC government has not yet responded to these claims. President Joao Lourenco of Angola has declared a ceasefire to commence Sunday at midnight, though there have been no indications from either party regarding compliance with this appeal.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has currently declined to engage in discussions with the M23 group, which has made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC with the support of Rwandan troops. Following a visit by President Tshisekedi to Luanda, direct peace negotiations have been tentatively arranged for the upcoming week.
The M23 has managed to seize major cities in eastern DRC, such as Goma and Bukavu, regions abundant in natural resources and located near the Rwandan border, since the beginning of this year. Reports from UN experts indicate that M23 is backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, illustrating the complexity of the ongoing conflict and its implications for regional stability.
The allegations made by M23 against the DRC government reflect the tensions complicating the peace dialogue process. While a ceasefire has been proposed and direct talks scheduled, the refusal of the Congolese president to negotiate remains a significant barrier. The involvement of Rwandan troops further complicates the issue, underscoring the regional dynamics at play in this conflict. It is imperative for all involved to consider diplomatic solutions to ensure lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
