M23 has accused the DRC government of trying to sabotage peace talks in Angola, citing military escalations. The DRC government has not yet responded to these claims. Direct negotiations are scheduled for Tuesday, amidst ongoing conflict supported by Rwandan troops.
On Sunday, the Rwanda-backed armed group M23 accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of attempting to undermine impending peace discussions planned to take place in Angola. The M23’s spokesperson, representing both M23 and the political-military alliance known as the Congo River Alliance (AFC), alleged that the DRC government had engaged in bombings of densely populated areas using fighter jets and drones.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for M23, expressed in a statement on the platform X that these actions signify the DRC regime’s aim to sabotage the crucial dialogue. Although these claims from M23 could not be independently verified, the DRC government has yet to provide a response to these accusations. Kanyuka affirmed that they have acknowledged Angola’s invitation for direct talks scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco had previously urged for a ceasefire effective at midnight on Sunday; however, no parties have publicly responded to this appeal. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has displayed reluctance to engage in discussions with the M23 group, which has gained significant ground in eastern DRC since the start of the year, aided by Rwandan military support.
Despite Tshisekedi’s hesitance, the announcement of direct peace negotiations has been made following his recent visit to Luanda. Since January, major eastern cities such as Goma and Bukavu have fallen under the control of M23, a region known for its rich natural resources and proximity to the Rwandan border, supported by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan soldiers according to findings from UN experts.
In summary, the M23 group has accused the DRC government of sabotaging peace talks by escalating military actions in populated areas. While direct dialogue is set to take place in Angola, the DRC’s response remains uncommunicated, and the ongoing conflict is exacerbated by foreign military involvement. The situation poses a significant challenge to achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
