M23 is “in talks” with other opposition leaders from Congo in South Africa
In Pretoria, South Africa, the AFC-M23 rebel movement has said that it is presently holding negotiations with a number of opposition figures from the Congo.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation is organizing the meeting, which aims to bring Congolese together to discuss peace and security, which have long been a nightmare, especially in eastern DR Congo, according to Oscar Balinda, the movement’s Deputy Head of Communication and Media Department, who spoke in a video interview posted via X.
Several Congolese opposition leaders are present at the meeting, including Delly Sesanga’s Envol, Together for the Republic of Moïse Katumbi, and former President Joseph Kabila’s People’s Party for Reconstruction and Democracy (PPRD), in addition to numerous other Congolese who are against the current administration. Also represented is the AFC/M23,” he said.
Balinda noted that there is little indication that President Félix Tshisekedi will agree to peace talks anytime soon, as he has always opposed them. “Therefore, the other Congolese will now sit down and discuss the general interests of the people,” Balinda stated.
According to President Félix Tshisekedi’s August 30 statement, he will not support “any dialogue outside” the Democratic Republic of the Congo and will not be “distracted by political initiatives” that are mediated by other parties.
The statement was given by Tshisekedi during a Union Sacrée conference of the ruling coalition in Kinshasa.
