The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have taken control of key areas in eastern Congo’s mineral-rich regions, announced their withdrawal from peace talks with the Congolese government scheduled for this week.
The group blames the European Union’s sanctions against its members and ongoing military actions by Congo’s army as the primary reasons for their decision.
M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated that the talks, meant to be held in Luanda, Angola, were “impractical.” The Congolese government initially hesitant about negotiating with M23, has confirmed its attendance.
According to government spokesperson Tina Salama, the Congolese delegation was already present in Luanda.
Tensions in eastern Congo have escalated since January when M23 captured the strategic city of Goma and Bukavu in February. Angola, which has been mediating the conflict, had arranged direct peace negotiations between Congo and M23. However, talks between Congo and Rwanda collapsed in December when Rwanda insisted on direct dialogues between Congo and M23, which was not agreed upon by Congo.
M23 is among the numerous armed groups in the region, competing over rich mineral resources, which has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, affecting over 7 million people.
The rebel group, supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, has occasionally threatened to advance to Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
The U.N. Human Rights Council is investigating alleged atrocities by both sides, including rape and summary executions. International tensions have also peaked with the European Union imposing sanctions on Rwandan and Congolese individuals linked to the conflict.
Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of attempting to destabilize the nation, following Belgium’s suspension of development aid. Meanwhile, the U.S. is exploring a mining partnership with Congo, with discussions already taking place. U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson met with President Tshisekedi to discuss security and economic collaborations, underlining the importance of peace for attracting foreign investment.
The group blames the European Union’s sanctions against its members and ongoing military actions by Congo’s army as the primary reasons for their decision.
M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated that the talks, meant to be held in Luanda, Angola, were “impractical.” The Congolese government initially hesitant about negotiating with M23, has confirmed its attendance.
According to government spokesperson Tina Salama, the Congolese delegation was already present in Luanda.
Tensions in eastern Congo have escalated since January when M23 captured the strategic city of Goma and Bukavu in February. Angola, which has been mediating the conflict, had arranged direct peace negotiations between Congo and M23. However, talks between Congo and Rwanda collapsed in December when Rwanda insisted on direct dialogues between Congo and M23, which was not agreed upon by Congo.
M23 is among the numerous armed groups in the region, competing over rich mineral resources, which has led to one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, affecting over 7 million people.
The rebel group, supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, has occasionally threatened to advance to Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.
The U.N. Human Rights Council is investigating alleged atrocities by both sides, including rape and summary executions. International tensions have also peaked with the European Union imposing sanctions on Rwandan and Congolese individuals linked to the conflict.
Rwanda has severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of attempting to destabilize the nation, following Belgium’s suspension of development aid. Meanwhile, the U.S. is exploring a mining partnership with Congo, with discussions already taking place. U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson met with President Tshisekedi to discuss security and economic collaborations, underlining the importance of peace for attracting foreign investment.
Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/18/m23-rebels-withdraw-from-congo-peace-talks-citing-eu-sanctions/
