Congo Says it Will Join Peace Talks
The Democratic Republic of Congo will send a delegation to Angola on Tuesday for talks aimed at resolving the escalating conflict against Rwandan-backed rebels in the east, the presidency announced on Sunday. Angola had previously stated that direct peace talks between Congo and the M23 rebels would commence in the capital, Luanda, on March 18. The discussions are part of an ongoing effort to de-escalate tensions in the region and find a lasting resolution to the violence.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who has long refused to engage in dialogue with M23, has been reconsidering his position following a series of military setbacks. With regional support for Congo dwindling, diplomatic efforts have gained urgency. “At this stage, we can’t say who will make up the delegation,” said presidency spokesperson Tina Salama, emphasizing the fluid nature of the situation.
M23 has acknowledged receipt of Angola’s invitation, but its spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, did not confirm whether the rebel group would participate in the talks. M23 has also made a series of demands, including a public commitment from Tshisekedi to negotiate with them directly. The group’s willingness to engage in dialogue remains uncertain, adding another layer of complexity to the mediation efforts.
Angola has been actively working to mediate a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the Tutsi-led rebel group. Rwanda has repeatedly denied these allegations, but the conflict continues to strain relations between the two countries. Previous ceasefires have been fragile, with both sides accusing each other of violations.
The conflict in eastern Congo has deep historical roots, stemming from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing struggles over Congo’s vast mineral wealth. This year, the situation has worsened, with M23 making significant territorial gains, including control over strategic cities and smaller localities. According to Congo’s government, at least 7,000 people have been killed since January, while the U.N. reports that 600,000 people have been displaced since November.
As efforts to broker peace continue, Angolan President Joao Lourenco called for a ceasefire starting at midnight on Saturday to create a conducive atmosphere for negotiations. “The ceasefire must include all possible hostile actions against the civilian population and the occupation of new positions,” he stated. However, fighting did not appear to have stopped on Sunday, as clashes were reported in the Walikale region, highlighting the challenges of enforcing peace in the volatile region.
