UN experts to hold key talks with AFC,M23 in Goma

The United Nations Group of Experts is scheduled to visit Goma from March 23 to 27, 2025, for key discussions with the Alliance of Congolese Forces (AFC) and the M23 rebel group.

The talks will focus on security, governance, and humanitarian concerns in areas under AFC/M23 control.

One of the major topics will be AFC/M23’s long-standing demand for direct negotiations with the Congolese government.

The group has pushed for formal talks, as well as discussions on a possible ceasefire or humanitarian truce. The UN delegation will assess the feasibility of these proposals.

The meeting will also cover the impact of ongoing military operations in North and South Kivu, where conflict has displaced thousands.

The return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, particularly those in Rwanda and Uganda, will be discussed, along with resettlement plans.

Another critical issue is the presence of other armed groups in eastern DRC, including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the National Council for Renewal and Democracy-National Liberation Forces (CNRD-FLN).

The UN team seeks to understand these groups' cooperation with the Congolese government and their role in the security situation.

Concerns over the safety of the Tutsi and Banyamulenge communities in the DRC will also be addressed, particularly regarding threats from the Congolese army (FARDC) and other armed factions.

Recent arrests of FDLR fighters in AFC/M23-controlled areas, including Goma and Bukavu, will be examined.

Additionally, discussions will cover the deployment of Burundian troops in the region, as well as the operations of FARDC and the Congolese National Police (PNC).

The status of former fighters who surrendered after battles in AFC/M23-held areas will also be reviewed.

Economic concerns, particularly control over natural resources, will be a key point.

The UN experts will look into mineral trade and production in areas under AFC/M23 influence, assessing efforts to regulate mining and curb illegal mineral sales.

Governance structures established by AFC/M23, including judicial, administrative, and security systems, will be reviewed.

The UN delegation will also examine public security, healthcare, education, and financial management in these areas.

Human rights will be a central focus, with discussions on civilian protection, prevention of forced recruitment, and the treatment of detainees.

AFC/M23’s cooperation with MONUSCO, UN agencies, and humanitarian organizations will also be assessed.

This visit is expected to provide crucial insights into the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC and could shape international efforts to address the conflict.

The UN and Western nations have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and troops to M23, an allegation Rwanda has denied. Rwanda insists its military actions have been in self-defense against the Congolese army and militia groups linked to the 1994 genocide.

Congo and M23 were expected to hold their first direct talks in Angola on Tuesday, following a reversal of Congo’s previous stance against negotiations.

However, M23 withdrew on Monday, citing European Union sanctions on some of its leaders and Rwandan officials.