Rwanda-backed M23 rebels withdraw from peace talks in Congo

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Lagos, Nigeria – The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels announced on Monday their withdrawal from this week’s peace talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government, citing international sanctions and ongoing military offensives.

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@dw-demosnewstaion.online 

The European Union recently imposed sanctions on several M23 members, a move the group described as a “major obstacle” to negotiations.

“The current environment is not conducive to genuine negotiations,” said M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, also pointing to military operations by Congolese forces as a complicating factor.

Despite M23’s withdrawal, the Congolese government confirmed it would still participate in the talks scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda, Angola. “A delegation is already in Luanda,” said government spokesperson Tina Salama. Initially, Kinshasa refused direct negotiations with M23, but mounting conflict and international pressure have revived diplomatic efforts.

The crisis in eastern Congo has worsened in recent months, with M23 capturing the strategic city of Goma in January, followed by Bukavu in February. Angola, acting as a mediator, had planned direct talks between Kinshasa and the rebels. However, bilateral negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda were canceled in December after Kigali insisted on direct engagement between Congo and M23—an approach Kinshasa rejected.

The region, plagued by competition over mineral resources, has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing more than seven million people. The M23, backed by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, has at times threatened to advance toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.

The UN Human Rights Council is investigating allegations of war crimes by both sides, including summary executions and sexual violence. The conflict has also triggered international reactions: the EU has imposed sanctions on several individuals linked to the fighting, including M23 leaders and entities associated with Rwanda’s gold refinery.

In response, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of attempting to destabilize Paul Kagame’s government after Brussels suspended its development aid.

Meanwhile, the United States is seeking stronger economic ties in the region. U.S. Special Envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson met with President Félix Tshisekedi to discuss security and investment in Congo’s mining sector, emphasizing that stability is crucial for attracting foreign capital.

As diplomatic deadlock persists, efforts to secure a ceasefire face growing challenges in eastern Congo.