President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa says a meeting between leaders of East and Southern Africa gives hope for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The meeting took place on Saturday, June 8, in Tanzania. The leaders made an important choice to include both the government and rebel groups like M23 in future peace talks.
Some people have questioned why South Africa sent soldiers to fight against the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. They wonder if South African leaders have personal money reasons for getting involved.
President Ramaphosa just returned from the meeting in Tanzania. He believes the best way to solve a conflict is to ensure that all the groups involved take part in the discussions, whether they are part of the government or not.
The leaders at the meeting agreed to have direct talks between the government and all other groups, including M23. This will happen under the Luanda and Nairobi peace plans.
President Ramaphosa is happy that President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe supported this idea of including everyone. He thinks bringing all the groups to the negotiating table is a big step forward. He believes any peace plans won't work well over time if they don't involve all the groups in the conflict.
Some people have questioned why South Africa sent soldiers to fight against the M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo. They wonder if South African leaders have personal money reasons for getting involved.
President Ramaphosa just returned from the meeting in Tanzania. He believes the best way to solve a conflict is to ensure that all the groups involved take part in the discussions, whether they are part of the government or not.
The leaders at the meeting agreed to have direct talks between the government and all other groups, including M23. This will happen under the Luanda and Nairobi peace plans.
President Ramaphosa is happy that President William Ruto of Kenya and President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe supported this idea of including everyone. He thinks bringing all the groups to the negotiating table is a big step forward. He believes any peace plans won't work well over time if they don't involve all the groups in the conflict.
