Title: Sultani Makenga of M23 still calls for negotiations with Kinshasa despite President Tshisekedi’s reservations
Introduction :
In a recently released video, Sultani Makenga, the M23 rebel leader, once again reaffirmed his demand for negotiations with the Kinshasa government. Despite the reservations expressed by President Felix Tshisekedi, who refuses to negotiate with the rebel group, Makenga insists on the need for direct dialogue to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC. In this article, we will examine the positions of both parties and the challenges they face in reaching a peaceful resolution.
Development :
Rebel leader Sultani Makenga says the M23 has done its part of the bargain by withdrawing from some occupied areas. Consequently, he asks to be able to engage in direct discussions with the Kinshasa government. Makenga points out that this demand was made from the start of the M23 offensive and that without an open dialogue, the rebel group will not feel committed to the cantonment and disarmament process proposed by the East African Community. East (EAC) at the last summit.
However, President Félix Tshisekedi takes a tough stance saying he will not be willing to negotiate with the M23. He accuses Rwanda of being behind the repeated attacks in the DRC and claims that the neighboring country benefits from the instability in the region. Tshisekedi also believes that dialogue with Rwanda would be difficult, as he sends representatives whom he describes as “puppets” and who are not legitimate to speak on behalf of the Rwandan government.
President Tshisekedi justifies his refusal to negotiate by pointing out that this could lead to a situation similar to that of the past, where armed groups that participated in talks then took up arms again. He insists that the Congolese state must be firm and not fall back into the mistakes of the past.
Conclusion :
Sultani Makenga’s persistent request to negotiate directly with the government in Kinshasa highlights the challenges the DRC faces in resolving the conflict in the east of the country. While President Tshisekedi refuses any discussion with the rebel group, it is important to find a balance between the search for a peaceful solution and the need not to give in to the demands of the armed groups. The situation remains tense and it is essential to closely monitor future developments to see if a resolution will be found.