Angola seeks to broker direct talks between DR Congo and M23 rebels

By James Kunda

LUSAKA, Zambia (AA) - Angola said Tuesday that it will attempt to broker direct talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels as part of efforts to end a longstanding conflict in eastern Congo.

The development was announced after Angola’s President Joao Lourenco met with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in the Angolan capital Luanda.

"As mediator in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, Angola will establish contacts with the M23 so that delegations from Congo and the M23 can hold direct negotiations in Luanda in the coming days," said Angola’s presidency.

The announcement followed an earlier notice by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) that it will hold a virtual extraordinary summit of heads of state and government Thursday to discuss the security situation in eastern Congo.

M23 rebels captured the key cities of Goma and Bukavu -- the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces, respectively – in recent weeks, with fighting leading to a severe humanitarian crisis of regional concern.

The fighting has led to more than 7,000 deaths since January, according to Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, amid denials by Rwanda that it is providing arms and troops to M23 rebels.