DR Congo, M23 rebels set for peace talks

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group are scheduled to hold direct peace talks on March 18, 2025, in Luanda, Angola.

This development comes after Angola’s mediation efforts in the conflict in eastern Congo, which escalated in late January.

The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over seven million people and created one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

The M23 rebel group has made significant gains, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.

The group, primarily composed of Congolese Tutsi fighters, has been active in the eastern DRC for years, with its resurgence in recent months leading to increased violence and displacement in the region.

Previous peace talks hosted by Angola excluded the M23 and focused on Rwanda’s involvement.

However, Angola’s efforts have led to a breakthrough, with the DRC government agreeing to direct talks with the M23.

The international community has expressed concerns over Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23.

United Nations experts claim that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are fighting alongside the M23.

Rwanda however denies these allegations.

The DRC government, along with United Nations investigators, has accused Rwanda of providing military and logistical support to the group, a claim Rwanda has consistently rejected.

In a statement issued by the Rwandan government, officials described the allegations as “baseless and politically motivated,” emphasizing Rwanda’s commitment to regional stability and peace.

The statement further accused the DRC of using Rwanda as a scapegoat for its internal security challenges, rather than addressing the root causes of the conflict, which include governance issues, ethnic tensions, and the presence of numerous armed groups in the region.

Rwanda has also pointed to the historical context of the conflict, noting that the M23 crisis stems from long-standing grievances within the DRC, particularly among the Congolese Tutsi community, who have faced marginalization and persecution.

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has also been involved in efforts to address the crisis, though its effectiveness has been questioned by some observers.

Regional bodies such as the East African Community (EAC) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) have been working to mediate the conflict, but progress has been slow.

The EAC recently deployed a regional force to the eastern DRC to help stabilize the area, though its mandate and effectiveness remain subjects of debate.

The upcoming peace talks are a significant step towards resolving the conflict.

Broader picture 

The conflict in eastern Congo is complex, with multiple armed groups vying for control of the area.

The M23 is one of approximately 100 armed groups operating in the region.

Would Angola also succeed in convincing other rebel groups to the negotiation table?

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