The M23 rebellion has called for negotiation talks to be had with Congolese President Joseph Kabila in Uganda. The reason for the talks to be had in Uganda is that the M23 rebellion leaders fear that if negotiations are held in Kinshasa, the Kinshasa government will overwhelm the rebellion and that fair and equal negotiations will not be garnished. The M23 rebellion which until previously had control over the city of Goma in the east, retreated from the city three kilometers into the mountains. This was done because President Kabila said he would not talk to rebels until Goma was free. While Gome is no longer occupied, many stores and businesses have chosen to remain closed for fear of the rebellion coming back into the city. The Goma airport is however open, despite the fact that armed rebels are just kilometers from the airport. Though the M23 have retreated from the city of Goma, Kabila has yet to confirm that there will actually be any negations. M23 leaders say that if Kabila fails to negotiate, they will in fact return to Goma, and they will continue to occupy cities to the west and to the south, and anticipate putting pressure on Kinshasa.
I chose this issue because it is very current, and Kabila’s choice to either negotiate or not will have direct implications on the future of the M23 rebellion. While Kabila may in fact choose to negotiate with the M23, I doubt that Kabila will in fact give the M23 what they desire, and that conflict shall continue.
Works Cited
Associated Press. "Congo’s M23 rebels say they will talk with President Joseph Kabila’s government in Uganda - The Washington Post." Washington Post. N.p., 5 Dec. 2012. Web. 6 Dec. 2012.
I think this its fair to met at a neutral location. Kabila should at least hear out what the M23 rebels have to say, they were occupying Goma and are still located very close. Kabila should show some initiative. I am also very curious to hear what the M23 group is demanding.
ReplyDeleteChase, I would also like to see what they are demanding. It seems that things may be getting better, but I have a feeling that like other rebellions, it probably won't be this easy.
DeleteWes- definitely agree, the demands definitely have a huge impact on the likelihood of both the meeting of a peaceful agreement and rebellion.
DeleteI'm somewhat skeptical as to how much compromise will really be made on both sides. Obviously M23 left Goma in hopes of compromising, but I'm wondering how much interest Kabila really has in making concessions now that he has control of Goma again.
ReplyDeleteFor someone who has chosen Uganda as their country analysis, this would be a great situation to implement in their writing. While you pointed out the effects from this situation going certain routes, I think with some research on the negotiators one can make a good prediction of what will occur. I agree with Wes and would like to see M23's demands. That could also be a significant factor in what happens.
ReplyDelete