Following a brief visit to Luanda by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi on Tuesday, the Angolan presidency announced plans to broker direct talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group. This marks a significant shift in diplomatic efforts, as DR Congo has previously dismissed any possibility of dialogue with the M23, considering them as proxies of Rwanda.
Angola’s announcement has sparked mixed reactions, particularly from residents of Goma, the eastern DRC city under M23 control since January. For the people of Goma, who have endured months of insecurity and violence, the potential for dialogue is seen as a hopeful step toward peace.
Franck Mbutu, a Goma resident, shared a sense of optimism: “It’s a breath of relief for us, the civilian population. Weapons don’t impose peace, talks do,” he remarked, reflecting the growing desperation for peaceful resolution in the region. Another local, Balangezi, echoed similar sentiments: “Whatever way things go, only peace concerns us. If it is negotiation that will restore peace to us, we agree.”
However, not all reactions were as supportive. Tina Salama, the spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, expressed caution on social media, noting the importance of observing how Angola’s mediation would unfold. “We take note and wait to see how this Angolan mediation approach is implemented. We also recall that there is a pre-established framework, which is the Nairobi process, and we reaffirm our commitment to Resolution 2773,” she stated, signaling the government’s adherence to ongoing international peace initiatives.
The announcement comes at a critical time, as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) prepares to hold an extraordinary summit on March 13 to discuss the security situation in the DRC, including the ongoing insurgency in the east. The M23, which had gained significant control of key territories in North Kivu, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, a charge Kigali vehemently denies.
The Angolan initiative represents a new diplomatic effort in the ongoing conflict that has destabilized eastern DRC for years, and could offer a potential breakthrough for the beleaguered region. Still, the path toward direct negotiations remains fraught with challenges, and many are uncertain about whether such talks will ultimately lead to a lasting peace.
For the people of Goma and the broader region, the idea of direct talks between Kinshasa and the M23 remains a fragile hope, but one that offers a glimmer of potential for the restoration of peace and security. As tensions persist and the situation remains volatile, all eyes will be on Angola’s mediation efforts and the upcoming SADC summit.
