Description: Angolan led mediation talks are expected to be held between DRC’s government and M23 leadership in Luanda scheduled for 18 Mar. The initiative represents the most concrete push towards peace in the country since the resurgence of the conflict in 2021. The mission led by the Southern African Development Community known as the SAMIDRC is expected to withdraw in several phases in the upcoming period. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has so far rejected any proposals to negotiate with M23 as recent advances by the rebel group caused widespread humanitarian and security crisis in the country. M23 rebels occupied the eastern parts of the country where the largest deposits of rare earth minerals are located and were accused of being financially and logistically supported by neighboring Rwanda. Recent international developments involved US direct interest in the Congolese mineral deposits in return for security guarantees in the country.
Impact: The Angolan mediation initiative represents the most significant development since the resurgence of the conflict, and it comes in a period of heightened international interest for the country’s rare earth mineral deposits. The regional geopolitical dynamics saw several countries directly or indirectly involved so far as Uganda and Burundi sent peacekeeping contingents, while Rwanda has continously backed the M23 rebel movement. The conflict is protracted over the past decade and its resolution would require delicate diplomatic efforts which would guarantee the implementation of interests from both the Congolese government and the Rwandan – backed M23 rebel movement.