### Peace negotiations and military trials in the DRC: a revealing dichotomy
The recent announcement of peace negotiations between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 Rebel Movement, scheduled for March 18 in Angola, marks a crucial turning point in a persistent political and security crisis. In parallel, the trial of military officers accused of abandonment of post illustrates an equally worrying facies of the failure of Congolese military institutions. Together, these two events open up a broader discussion on the management of security, internal conflicts and governance in a country with immeasurable but disturbed history.
#### Negotiation dynamics: a change of course
The fact that the Congolese president Félix Tshisekedi accepted, despite his previous positions, to engage in direct talks with the M23, illustrates a political pragmatism in the face of an untenable reality. While the M23, considered by Kinshasa as an agent of Rwanda, intensified his activity in the east of the country, the rapprochement with Luanda has the double function of defusing a militarized climbing and of indirectly tackling the question of the alleged support of Rwanda in the rebellious movement. Moreover, the previous negotiation mechanisms, such as the Nairobi process, have been largely ineffective, unable to respond to the seriousness of armed conflicts which ravage the region.
Angola, under the direction of João Lourenço, therefore emerges as a key player in regional diplomacy. By playing the role of intermediary, Luanda not only shows his influence, but also seeks to assume an accredited position where she can appease a crisis that could overflow her own borders. The Angolan case could serve as a model for other African states that seek to stabilize their region through direct negotiations, involving all stakeholders.
### a symbolic trial: the hidden face of the armed forces
In addition to diplomatic negotiations, the trial of the Congolese army officers represents an internal struggle for the credibility of institutions. This trial, which visibly turns into a staging of justice, could cause long -term consequences on the loyalty of the troops and the perception of military command. In a context where the abandonment of position becomes a recurring problem on the ground, it is legitimate to question the structural causes which push these officers to fail to their duty.
From a statistical point of view, defections and posts of post in the Congolese armed forces must be replaced in a broader framework of disillusionment and dissatisfaction affecting soldiers. Surveys indicate that almost 30 % of the FARDC enrollment is often deserted in certain operations theaters due to deplorable working conditions, unpaid wages and a lack of adequate military equipment. This questions the very viability of these forces in the face of better organized and funded armed groups like the M23.
#### Towards a redefinition of security priorities in the DRC
The recent developments in the position of Tshisekedi as to negotiation with the M23 and the trial of officers testify to a political sphere which, although fragmented, begins to move towards pragmatic resilience. However, the success of these negotiations depends largely on the capacity of the Congolese government to address the real security, economic and social concerns that
are at the root of conflicts.
The 2023 elections are looming on the horizon, and it is crucial that the government, in addition to the peace negotiations, redoubled their efforts to strengthen confidence in its armed forces. This involves institutional reforms, the implementation of social support programs for military staff, as well as an effort to improve transparency and communication between the government and the military body. A strong, faithful and well -equipped army is a prerequisite not only for negotiations, but also for sustainable peace.
In conclusion, the juxtaposition of peace negotiations with the M23 and the trial of deserting officers turns out to be a revealer full of sense of the challenges that the DRC is confronted. It is time for the country to become aware of the need for in -depth transformation of security and governance, not only to respond to current crises, but also to build a stable, peaceful and prosperous future.