General Sultani Makenga of the M23 rebel group has welcomed upcoming peace talks with the Congolese government, emphasizing the need for negotiations. He criticized President Tshisekedi and outlined the group’s objectives to combat discrimination and promote reconciliation. The M23 rebels have asserted their military actions are responses to threats from government forces, focusing on survival.
General Sultani Makenga, military commander of the M23 rebel group, has endorsed the upcoming peace negotiations with the Congolese government on March 18 in Luanda, Angola. In a recent interview, he expressed interest in negotiations but pointed out that he had not yet received any updates from Kinshasa, despite having learned about Angola’s stance. The announcement about the talks followed a visit by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to Angolan President João Lourenço, who is the President of the African Union.
Previously, peace discussions regarding the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) crisis did not involve rebels. However, the Angolan presidency confirmed on Tuesday that both Congolese government and rebel delegations will commence direct negotiations. In his remarks regarding President Tshisekedi, Makenga criticized him, stating, “he [Tshisekedi] has no love for his country, he is a bandit.”
The M23 movement claims to combat injustice, violence, and discrimination faced by Rwandophones in eastern DRC. Their objective encompasses eradicating issues such as tribalism and corruption that have plagued the region. The ongoing conflict since 2021 has seen a coalition of the Congolese government forces, including various international contributors, opposing the M23 rebels. The recently formed Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC) aims to strengthen the rebel coalition.
Expressing their fighting spirit, Makenga stated they do not aim to advance towards Kinshasa unless provoked, claiming, “We are fighting for our survival.” He cited specific instances of violence against Tutsi communities, asserting their goal of promoting reconciliation and overcoming ethnic hatred. The M23 rebels recently seized Goma and Bukavu, restoring some semblance of order in the region as acknowledged by local inhabitants, although they maintain that these actions were necessitated by external threats.
In his reflections, Makenga mentioned that the control of Goma and Bukavu was not their original goal, but it was a necessary response to attacks from the Congolese army and allied forces. He highlighted ongoing assaults, including drone strikes, from government forces, amid ongoing ceasefire violations.
In summary, General Sultani Makenga has welcomed the impending peace talks scheduled for March 18 in Angola, while expressing grievances about the Congolese government’s attitude. The M23 rebels assert their actions are driven by a need for survival in the face of violence against their community. As they seek to negotiate, they remain firm in their goal to eradicate tribalism and foster reconciliation, asserting their recent territorial gains were driven by security threats rather than territorial ambitions.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
