M23 sends mixed signals on peace; leaders say door open for talks
Citizens fleeing the conflict in DR Congo’s Kanyarushinya region arrive in the city of Goma on November 14, 2022 amid clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. PHOTO | AUGUSTINE WAMENYA | ANADOLU AGENCY VIA AFP
Feared rebel group M23 is showing mixed signals towards a regional peace bid, even as leaders indicated this week that the group will be welcome for dialogue in case they are interested.
The details emerged from a side-lines meeting in Washington where African leaders gathered for a US-Africa Summit. Presidents Evariste Ndayishimiye, Rwanda’s Paul Kagame, Kenya’s William Ruto and Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan gathered for a mini Great Lakes region Summit to discuss the DRC conflicts. The Great Lakes peace bid is led by Angolan leader João Lourenço but has since been merged with efforts by the East African Community which is now chaired by President Ndayishimiye.
