On March 18, the Congolese government has agreed to engage in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola, as mediated by Angolan President Joao Lourenco. This announcement ends months of refusal by the Congolese government to negotiate with rebels, who have been active since 2012 and are accused of receiving Rwandan backing. As the conflict escalated, at least 7,000 lives were claimed in recent months. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka emphasized Rwanda's role as the aggressor, while M23 denied human rights abuse allegations, asserting their commitment to press freedom.
Despite previously refusing to engage in negotiations, Congolese officials have agreed to meet M23 rebels in Luanda to discuss an end to the deadly conflict.
Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka stated, 'The fact remains that the aggressor of the territorial integrity and of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo is Rwanda.'
The conflict escalated in January when the M23 group seized the mineral-rich city of Goma in eastern Congo, leading to significant civilian casualties.
M23 has been active in eastern Congo since 2012 and has been accused by Human Rights Watch of attacking journalists and media members.
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