Angolan President Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Congo Before Peace Negotiations
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Synopsis
On March 15, Angolan President Joao Lourenco called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to facilitate upcoming peace talks. He emphasized the need for a de-escalation atmosphere as the DRC government and M23 rebels prepare for negotiations in Luanda on March 18.
Key Takeaways
- Joao Lourenco urges a ceasefire in DRC.
- Ceasefire aims to prepare for peace talks.
- Upcoming negotiations scheduled for March 18.
- M23 rebels welcome Angola's initiative.
- SADC withdraws military mission amid conflict.
Luanda, March 15 (NationPress) Joao Lourenco, the President of Angola and the current chair of the African Union (AU), has called on all factions engaged in the turmoil in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to halt military actions starting at midnight local time on Sunday, as stated in an announcement from the Angolan Presidency.
Lourenco highlighted the necessity of the ceasefire to foster a de-escalation atmosphere that is conducive to the forthcoming peace talks between the DRC government and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, scheduled to occur in Luanda, the capital of Angola.
"The ceasefire should encompass all aggressive actions against civilians and any efforts to gain new ground in the conflict area," the statement specified.
On Wednesday, Angola revealed it would facilitate direct peace discussions between the DRC government and the M23 rebels in Luanda, set for March 18.
The DRC government has yet to officially announce its attendance. The M23 has expressed its gratitude for Angola's initiative, yet urged DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to publicly commit to engaging in direct negotiations with them.
Recent months have seen a surge in fighting between the DRC government and the M23, with the rebels conducting significant offensives in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, capturing numerous strategic towns, according to Xinhua news agency.
The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of thousands, worsening the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. Despite diplomatic and military initiatives, violence continues.
On Thursday, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced it would conclude its military operation in the DRC amidst the ongoing hostilities from the M23 rebels.
During an extraordinary virtual summit with various heads of state from its member nations, the SADC decided to finish the mandate of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and instructed a gradual withdrawal of its forces.
The SADC is a regional economic alliance comprising 16 member states: Angola, Botswana, the Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Deployed in December 2023, SAMIDRC is made up of military personnel from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, who have been assisting the DRC military in combating armed insurgents in the eastern region. However, the mission has experienced casualties, raising questions about its efficacy in achieving its goals amidst rising violence.
The SADC honored the brave soldiers from the DRC, South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania who lost their lives during the mission. This decision to withdraw signifies a change in the bloc's strategy regarding the conflict. While reiterating its dedication to peace and security in the DRC, the SADC indicates a shift away from direct military engagement, stressing the importance of political and diplomatic measures involving both state and non-state entities.
