M23 and DRC talks that were meant for Doha has flopped

The AFC/M23 rebels, who currently occupy Goma, Bukavu, and large areas in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, have set several preconditions they describe as "confidence-building measures" for initiating negotiations with the Congolese government while the two delegations are currently in Doha, Qatar.

These conditions, they say, are aimed at creating an environment conducive to peace talks, facilitated by Doha, as part of the mediation to resolve the security crisis in the region.

Among these required measures:

1. AFC/M23 requires a solemn declaration from Félix Tshisekedi publicly committing to direct dialogue with the AFC/M23.

2. The repeal of the National Assembly resolution of November 8, 2022, against the mixing, blending, or integration of armed groups within the defense and security forces.

3. The annulment of death sentences, prosecutions, and arrest warrants against AFC/M23 leaders and officials, as well as the release of civilian and military detainees arrested or accused of colluding with the AFC/M23.

4. In addition to these measures, the rebellion intends to see Kinshasa end and criminalize hate speech and acts of discrimination against communities and denial of nationality to certain communities.

Summary 

The AFC/M23 refuses to participate in the dialogue initially planned with the Congolese government in Doha, Qatar, and sets its conditions before any dialogue;

1. Solemn declaration by Mr. Felix Ishisekedi expressing his regime's political will to conduct direct negotiations with the AFC/M23.

2. Repeal of the National Assembly resolution of November 8, 2022, and all other restrictive measures taken by the Kinshasa regime against the AFC/M23 to allow for the holding and successful conclusion of political negotiations.

3. Cancellation of all death sentences, prosecutions, and arrest warrants, and the offer of a reward to anyone who assists the Kinshasa regime in arresting AFC/M23 leaders and cadres, thereby enabling political negotiations to take place.

4. Immediate release of all civilians or military personnel arrested and/or accused of colluding with the AFC/M3 because of their appearance or ethnicity, or of their professional, friendly, or business relationships with members of the AFC/M23.

5. End and criminalize all hate speech, often followed by acts of oppression and cannibalism, as well as all manhunts launched against Congolese people because of their appearance or the language they speak (Swahili, Kinyarwanda) under the pretext of collaboration with the AFC/M23 or of being Rwandan infiltrators. End all acts of discrimination and denial of nationality against the aforementioned communities.

Signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement between the Kinshasa regime and the AFC/M23.

For its part, Kinshasa demands an unconditional ceasefire, including the withdrawal of the AFC/M23 rebellion from Bukavu, Goma, and elsewhere.