Democratic Republic of Congo rebels inch toward peace
KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 20 (UPI) — Advocacy group the Enough Project confirmed several armed groups fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are mulling their options for peace.
Members of the March 23 Movement in eastern DRC are negotiating the terms of a peace deal with the Congolese government and international delegates in neighboring Uganda. There are more than two dozen separate groups fighting in DRC, however some, including the Mai Mai militia, are moving toward peace, Voice of America reported.
Fidel Bafilemba, a researcher with the Enough Project, confirmed the initiative was underway. VOA reported Tuesday some groups were moving toward integrating with the Congolese military, though some of the rebels have put forward conditions regarding recognition of self-proclaimed military rank.
U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade, called on the African community to support peace in DRC.
“I urge neighboring states to halt support for armed groups and militias in an effort to work towards peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said in a statement Tuesday.
Neighboring Rwanda is accused of backing Congolese rebel groups, an allegation it denies.
