Thabo Mbeki on M23
TL;DR
Thabo Mbeki believes engaging the M23 in peace dialogue is essential, despite controversy, as military solutions alone are insufficient for the conflict.
Key Points
He defended his foundation’s decision to host the M23 at a peace dialogue, finding the ensuing controversy puzzling.
The former president maintained that discussing peace and security in Congo is pointless without including the M23 group.
The invitation to the dialogue reportedly angered the DRC government, which subsequently declined to attend the Pretoria event.
Summary
Thabo Mbeki strongly asserted that the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo cannot be resolved solely through military means, necessitating direct engagement with all actors, including the M23 rebel group. He defended the decision by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation to host the M23 delegation at its African Peace and Security Dialogue in Pretoria, stating that peace talks are useless without their involvement, comparing it to ongoing processes in Doha, Qatar. He expressed puzzlement at the resulting controversy, which led the DRC government to decline attending the dialogue.
His stance implies a commitment to comprehensive political solutions over purely militarized responses, reflecting a belief in pan-African dialogue, even with actors designated as terrorist organizations by bodies like the African Union and the United Nations. The foundation's leadership clarified that the event was not a negotiation forum but an environment for progressive discussions aimed at finding practical solutions. This invitation caused diplomatic friction, as the DRC government accused Mbeki of siding with the rebels and their alleged sponsors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Thabo Mbeki holds that the M23 must be engaged in peace dialogues for any lasting resolution to the conflict in eastern DRC. He views their exclusion as making peace talks useless, despite the controversy surrounding their invitation to his foundation's event.
Yes, the former president faced diplomatic backlash after his foundation hosted M23 representatives for a peace dialogue in Pretoria. The DRC government declined to attend and accused Mbeki of taking sides in the conflict.
He stated clearly that the conflict in the eastern Congo cannot be solved only by military means. Thabo Mbeki implied that a political and inclusive approach, which requires talking to all parties, is necessary for a peaceful end.
Sources3
Thabo Mbeki defends hosting M23 militia for peace dialogue
Mbeki throws diplomatic hot potato at government over M23 invitation
According to Mbeki the conflict in the Eastern Congo cannot be solved by militar
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.