African blocs enhance mediation for Congo's conflict resolution

Political groups in Southern and Eastern Africa are working to increase efforts to mediate the conflict in eastern Congo. A meeting of heads of state took place on Monday, where they discussed how to address the offensive by the M23 rebels, which are supported by Rwanda. Rwanda called the meeting productive, despite recent setbacks in peace negotiations. Last week, the M23 rebels did not attend peace talks in Angola, which led to their capture of the important town of Walikale. The violence in eastern Congo has deep roots, going back to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, and has been fueled by competition over valuable minerals. This ongoing conflict has caused thousands of deaths and raised concerns about a potential wider war in the region. In response to the situation, the Southern and Eastern Africa blocs have appointed five former heads of state to help facilitate the peace talks. This group includes notable leaders like Nigeria's Olusegun Obasanjo and South Africa's Kgalema Motlanthe. The Congolese presidency stated that this new panel would select a mediator after Angola's president stepped down from his role in the peace process. Rwanda is currently facing international sanctions due to its alleged support for the M23. The Rwandan government claims its involvement is merely to protect itself from threats posed by Congo's military and militias. Recently, a meeting facilitated by Qatar brought together Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame, but the joint call for a ceasefire did not stop the fighting. The M23 withdrew from potential negotiations following the imposition of new sanctions by the European Union against the group and Rwandan officials.