The inter-Congolese dialogue which was supposed to convene in Nairobi on Monday did not take place. This was after, apparently, one of the parties – the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo – refused to engage with M23 whom they continue to brand a terrorist group. The M23 is a group of Congolese rebels that has over the past months gained considerable ground in the country’s eastern part against government forces. They rationalize their rebellion through a list of unmet demands that were ostensibly agreed upon nearly a decade ago when the group – then named CNDP - signed a peace agreement with their government. They accuse their government of scuttling the agreement. The talks, which were meant to be held for the third round of what is now known as the Nairobi Process. The two first rounds did not yield any result. Important to note is the fact that during a meeting by heads of state of the East African Community which was held on the margins of COP27 meeting in Egypt, the regional leaders called for inclusivity in the talks to help put an end to the insecurity challenges in the vast neighbouring country. So if indeed the talks were halted because the government could not engage with their main protagonists, it paints a grim picture of the prospects to peacefully resolve the conflict that continues to affect many, including neighbouring countries which have been sucked into it. From the onset, it has always fallen on the shoulders of the Congolese themselves to find a lasting solution to their internal challenges. It will not be the United Nations; it will not be the East African Community nor will be the shuttle diplomacy we have seen over the past few weeks involving regional leaders. The sooner DR Congo leaders realizes this the better and in trying to get a solution, all parties involved, including the M23 must be fully engaged.
