Angola has canceled peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC aimed at resolving the conflict in eastern DRC, citing a deadlock over direct dialogue with M23 rebels. The meeting’s abrupt cancellation comes amidst escalating violence in the region, which has led to significant displacement and humanitarian crises. Both countries are under pressure to stabilize the situation.
Recent peace talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have encountered a setback as Angola, the mediator, announced the cancellation of the scheduled meeting. According to the Angolan presidency’s media officer, Mario Jorge, the summit was unexpectedly called off without further clarification regarding the reasons for its cancellation. Angolan President Joao Lourenco was engaged in discussions with DRC leader Felix Tshisekedi, while Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s presence at the meeting remained uncertain.
The DRC presidency reported that discussions reached an impasse over Rwanda’s insistence that the DRC engage in direct dialogue with the M23 rebel group, which is believed to be supported by Rwanda. Recently, hostilities between the DRC military and M23 rebels escalated, following accusations by the DRC army that M23 forces were responsible for civilian casualties. M23 has dismissed these claims, labeling them as government propaganda.
The eastern DRC has witnessed significant turmoil, with M23 seizing large areas and displacing over seven million individuals amid a major humanitarian crisis. Rwanda has refuted allegations of backing M23, while acknowledging a military presence in the eastern DRC to protect its borders due to perceived threats from DRC forces. Despite an agreement reached last month regarding the disengagement of Rwandan forces, clashes have resumed, raising concerns over the fragile ceasefire negotiated earlier this year. Local residents have expressed desperation for the peace talks to yield results, emphasizing the urgent need for stability.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has persisted for years, driven by numerous armed groups competing for control over mineral-rich territories. The M23 rebel group, in particular, has been a significant player in this turmoil, often alleged to receive support from Rwanda. This conflict has culminated in one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, with millions displaced and acute levels of violence reported regularly. Efforts by regional leaders to mediate peace have been hampered by entrenched positions and sporadic fighting, complicating negotiations for a lasting resolution.
The cancellation of peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC highlights the complexity of resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. With Rwanda’s demand for direct negotiations with the M23 rebels and renewed hostilities in the region, the prospect for a peaceful resolution remains grim. The humanitarian implications are severe, affecting millions of civilians who continue to suffer from the prolonged instability. Efforts to stabilize the region should be prioritized, given the urgent calls from those directly impacted by the violence.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
