DR Congo and M23 Rebels Confirm Participation in Peace Talks in Angola
The DRC and M23 rebels have agreed to participate in peace talks in Angola to resolve their ongoing conflict. Following significant territorial gains by M23 and a humanitarian crisis resulting in millions of displacements and thousands of deaths, this negotiation marks a crucial step towards achieving stability in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have confirmed their participation in peace talks in Angola aimed at addressing the escalating conflict in the eastern region of the country. Despite previously rejecting such negotiations, a delegation from the DRC has arrived in Luanda for discussions scheduled for Tuesday. This move follows significant territorial gains by the M23 group, which has resulted in thousands of deaths since the beginning of the year.
M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka announced on social media that their delegation has also traveled to Angola’s capital for the dialogue. This mediation effort by Angola has been ongoing, attempting to establish a ceasefire amidst the conflict that has persisted for years. Prior negotiations were halted last year after disagreements regarding direct talks.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that their advances had compelled President Felix Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations, asserting, “peace begins with dialogue. The sooner we talk, the sooner peace becomes a reality.” The violence in eastern DRC has intensified, with the M23 capturing cities such as Goma and Bukavu, exacerbating a significant humanitarian crisis affecting millions.
The conflict has led to over seven million displacements and approximately 7,000 deaths in the current year alone. Reports indicate that the M23 rebels are supported by around 4,000 soldiers from Rwanda. Rwanda claims their military presence is defensive against the DRC army and hostile militias, denying accusations of intervention.
In summary, the DRC and the M23 rebels’ acceptance of peace talks in Angola marks a pivotal step towards addressing the long-standing conflict that has caused severe humanitarian issues. With ongoing allegations of atrocities and intervention by foreign actors, the outcome of these dialogues is crucial for stability in a region troubled by violence and displacement. The urgency for discussions is underscored by the recent spike in conflict-related deaths and displacements, necessitating immediate and effective diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
