- Congo reverses stance, joins direct talks with M23 after months of refusal
- Conflict displaces over 7 million, creates severe humanitarian emergency
- UN investigates alleged war crimes as U.S. explores mineral partnerships
The Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a historic step toward resolving its protracted eastern conflict by sending delegates to Luanda for face-to-face negotiations with M23 representatives. This sudden policy shift follows intense regional pressure and the rebels' continued advances, including their February capture of Bukavu - a strategic hub for the nation's $24 billion mining sector.
President Tshisekedi's administration previously maintained an absolute refusal to engage with the Rwanda-supported group, labeling them terrorists following their January takeover of Goma. The breakthrough comes as Angola intensifies mediation efforts, with experts suggesting mineral resource management will dominate discussions. Congo holds 70% of global cobalt reserves essential for electric vehicle batteries, attracting both rebel exploitation and international investment interest.
UN reports reveal the human cost: 1 in 10 displaced Africans now comes from eastern Congo, with cholera outbreaks spreading through overcrowded camps. Security analysts note the conflict's complexity, with approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops allegedly supporting M23's mineral smuggling operations through neighboring Uganda.
Comparisons emerge to Sierra Leone's civil war, where diamond revenues prolonged violence until international oversight mechanisms intervened. The U.S. State Department's recent mining partnership overtures suggest similar economic peacebuilding strategies might be employed, though critics warn against repeating past resource exploitation patterns.
