The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda and currently controlling significant regions in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, announced on Monday their decision to withdraw from the peace talks scheduled for this week with the Congolese government.
The group pointed to international sanctions imposed by the European Union on its members as a significant barrier to the negotiations.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka also mentioned that ongoing military operations by the Congolese army further complicated the discussions.
The rebels described the upcoming talks, set for Tuesday in Luanda, Angola, as “impracticable.” Nevertheless, the Congolese government, which had initially dismissed the idea of talks with M23, confirmed its intention to participate.
According to government spokesperson Tina Salama, a Congolese delegation was already present in Luanda.
The conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January when M23 took control of the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Angola, acting as a mediator, had organized direct peace talks between Congo and M23. However, peace negotiations between Congo and Rwanda were called off in December after Rwanda insisted on direct discussions between Congo and M23, which Congo refused.
M23 is one of numerous armed groups operating in the region, where competition for mineral resources has led to one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, displacing over 7 million individuals.
The rebels, with the backing of 4,000 Rwandan troops, have occasionally threatened to push as far as Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
The U.N. Human Rights Council is currently examining claims of human rights violations committed by both parties, which include incidents of rape and extrajudicial killings. International tensions have escalated, prompting the European Union to impose sanctions on various individuals from Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo associated with the conflict, notably leaders of the M23 group and Rwanda’s gold processing facility.
In response to Belgium’s suspension of development aid, Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing it of efforts to undermine the nation. Meanwhile, the United States is exploring a mining partnership with Congo, with preliminary discussions already taking place. U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson has met with President Tshisekedi to discuss potential security and economic cooperation, highlighting the importance of establishing peace to attract foreign investment.
