The DRC government had repeatedly stated that it would never negotiate with the rebel alliance, labelling it a terrorist group responsible for violent acts against Congolese citizens, opting instead to combat it through military force.
After M23 seized the city of Goma in late January, the heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met in Tanzania on February 8, urging the DRC government to accept political dialogue.
While these resolutions had not yet been implemented, M23 captured Kavumu Airport in South Kivu Province and the city of Bukavu on February 16.
On March 11, João Lourenço, the President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union, announced that the DRC government would begin talks with AFC/M23 representatives on March 18.
Two days after President Lourenço's announcement, SADC leaders decided to withdraw their military forces, which had been assisting the DRC government and began organizing their phased withdrawal.
Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, the DRC's Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained that the government initially saw no need to negotiate with AFC/M23 until Angola urged them to engage in talks.
'For a long time, we insisted that direct negotiations with M23 were unnecessary and not part of our approach, but the Angolan mediator initiated this process and invited all parties to come together for dialogue,' said Minister Kayikwamba.
She stated that multiple discussions had taken place, all emphasizing the need to cease hostilities and that the DRC government is ready to implement a ceasefire to alleviate civilian suffering.
'I also believe that across different regions of the DRC, the nature of the conflict is evolving in its intensity. What matters most to us and our people is to engage in direct talks with M23, followed by a ceasefire,' she added.
Minister Kayikwamba stressed that it would have been regrettable if the DRC government failed to recognize the shifting dynamics of the conflict in the eastern part of the country, especially given its responsibility to protect civilians.
The talks scheduled to take place in Angola on March 18, 2025, however, faced a setback after M23 withdrew in protest against last-minute sanctions imposed on its leaders on the eve of the negotiations.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/why-drc-agreed-to-negotiate-with-afc-m23
