Congo and M23 Rebels Open Peace Talks in Angola as Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis Worsen

Congo’s government is set to participate in peace talks with the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, in Angola. These discussions are scheduled to take place on Tuesday in the Angolan capital, Luanda. A spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi confirmed that a delegation representing Congo has already arrived in Luanda. This marks a shift from earlier positions, where Tshisekedi had refused direct negotiations with the M23 rebels, calling them a “terrorist group.” The peace talks are seen as a critical opportunity to address the escalating conflict in Congo’s mineral-rich east.

M23 Rebels Join Peace Talks Amid Escalating Conflict and Humanitarian Crisis in Congo

The M23 group, which has seized significant areas in eastern Congo, including the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year, has also sent a delegation to the peace talks. Lawrence Kanyuka, the spokesperson for the M23, confirmed their participation in the talks. The presence of both parties in Luanda indicates a willingness to negotiate, despite the long-standing tensions and Congo’s initial refusal to engage with the rebels directly.

The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified since January, when M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, made significant territorial gains, capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu. The ongoing violence has contributed to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced. The rebels, bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, have threatened to advance further, even targeting the capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. has expressed concerns about the violence, including atrocities like rape and summary executions committed by both sides.

Setbacks in Congo-Rwanda Talks, U.S. Interest in Mining and Economic Partnerships

Efforts to resolve the conflict through dialogue have faced significant hurdles. In December, peace talks between Congo and Rwanda were canceled when Rwanda insisted on direct negotiations between Congo and the M23 as a precondition for any peace agreement. President Tshisekedi strongly opposed this, declaring that he would never engage with what he termed a terrorist group. Despite these setbacks, Angola has stepped in as a mediator and is now facilitating direct peace talks between Congo and the M23 rebels, hoping to bring an end to the violence.

In parallel to the peace talks, the U.S. has shown interest in strengthening ties with Congo. Last week, U.S. State Department officials indicated a willingness to explore mining partnerships in Congo, especially given the country’s vast mineral resources. President Tshisekedi met with U.S. Special Envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson to discuss security and economic cooperation. Jackson emphasized the importance of establishing peace to create an environment conducive to foreign investments, particularly from American companies. This meeting signals the growing international interest in Congo’s stability and economic potential.