The peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC aimed at resolving the eastern conflict were cancelled without explanation by Angola, the mediator. DRC’s presidency stated the deadlock stemmed from Rwanda’s demand for direct dialogue with the M23 rebel group. The situation in the region remains critical, with escalating violence and severe humanitarian implications.

Peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have encountered a significant setback, as the scheduled summit between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi was abruptly cancelled. This cancellation was announced by the Angolan presidency, which has been acting as a mediator in the discussions. The Angolan presidency’s media officer, Mario Jorge, confirmed that, “Contrary to what we expected, the summit will no longer be held today.” No specific reasons for the last-minute cancellation were provided.

The conflict in eastern DRC, primarily involving the M23 rebel group, has created a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing millions. This region is rich in minerals, which has attracted various armed groups vying for control. Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23, although it denies these claims. Despite a ceasefire agreement initiated in July, fighting has resumed, highlighting the fragile state of peace in the area. The recent failure of peace talks underscores the barriers to achieving a resolution and the complexities of regional diplomacy.

The cancellation of the peace summit represents a troubling development in the effort to stabilize eastern DRC. With hostilities escalating and humanitarian conditions deteriorating, there remains an urgent need for dialogue between the involved parties. The international community, particularly mediators like Angola, must persist in their efforts to broker a lasting peace agreement that addresses the underlying issues fueling the conflict.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com