DRC rejects Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s peace dialogue invitation amid bias concerns
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has declined an invitation to participate in a peace and security dialogue hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, scheduled for September 3-6 here in South Africa.
The decision, announced by government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, stems from accusations of bias against former President Thabo Mbeki, who Congolese officials claim has shown favoritism toward the M23 rebels and Rwanda in past statements on the eastern DRC conflict.
The dialogue aimed to bring together Congolese officials, civil society, opposition leaders, religious figures, and armed groups, including M23, to address ongoing violence in the region.
However, Kinshasa dismissed the initiative as “inappropriate,” citing Mbeki’s alleged alignment with former DRC President Joseph Kabila, who faces treason charges linked to the M23 rebellion.
Critics in the DRC argue that Mbeki’s remarks have historically leaned toward narratives that could destabilize the region.
The Thabo Mbeki Foundation, known for promoting African-led solutions to peace and security challenges, has not yet responded to the DRC’s withdrawal.
But here I can agree ,Mbeki is a very very controversial figure and very devisive more than even some Dictators. The guy has been way too exaggerated as a negotiator when infact all he does best is, decide further. Look at the Mugabe situation as a negotiator there? He told the west that there is no conflict in Zimbabwe. In his own country South Africa when he was president, he burned ARVs in which alot of people died. In Central African Republic where he is well known as a negotiator ,war only increased there ,even to outside regions and countries. So, here , Congo did well. This guy is fake.