The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains firm in its decision not to directly negotiate with the M23 rebel group that has made significant advances in the eastern part of the country, despite increasing international pressure. This stance was reaffirmed by DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka during an interview with the BBC. Tuluka stated that her government prefers to negotiate with neighboring Rwanda, which DRC accuses of supporting the M23.
The conflict in eastern DRC, escalated in January by the M23’s advances, particularly the capture of cities like Goma and Bukavu, has resulted in a dire humanitarian situation. At least 8,500 individuals, as per Congolese authorities, have lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. UN experts and others have implicated Rwanda in the fighting, pointing to the alleged presence of Rwandan troops on Congolese territory, a claim that Rwanda denies.
International actors have been vocal in their calls for an inclusive dialogue and have urged for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of foreign forces, and direct negotiations involving all parties, including the M23. These calls have fallen on deaf ears as peace talks mediated by Angola reached a stalemate last December due to Rwanda’s demand for direct discussions with the M23.
The DRC government has welcomed sanctions imposed by the United States on Rwandan government minister James Kabarebe and the European Commission’s decision to suspend defence consultations and review a memorandum of understanding relating to raw materials with Rwanda. However, Rwanda has dismissed these measures as unjustified and ineffective in resolving the crisis. Rwanda also contends that it is exercising its right to defend its territory and accuses the DRC of harboring members of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The DRC denies any collaboration with the FDLR.
Prime Minister Tuluka argues that for a resolution, Rwanda must withdraw its troops from DRC and cease the M23’s killings of Congolese civilians. In response, Rwanda maintains that it is meeting the threat to its national security and accuses the international community of taking an unreasonable stance. As tensions continue, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC intensifies, and diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful resolution face significant hurdles.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cnvz5g420mdo
