The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has withdrawn from planned peace talks with the Congolese government, citing international sanctions imposed by the European Union.
The rebels, who control key areas in eastern Congo, announced their decision on Monday, just days before negotiations were set to take place in Luanda, Angola.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that the sanctions against its leaders made the talks “impracticable.” He also accused the Congolese military of continuing offensives against M23 positions, further complicating efforts toward a ceasefire. Despite the rebels pulling out, the Congolese government confirmed its participation, with spokesperson Tina Salama stating that a delegation was already in Luanda.
The conflict in eastern Congo escalated in January when M23 forces captured the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Angola, acting as a mediator, had arranged direct negotiations between the Congolese government and the rebels.
However, efforts at broader peace talks between Congo and Rwanda collapsed in December when Rwanda insisted on direct engagement with M23, a condition Congo rejected.
The M23 insurgency is part of a larger crisis in eastern Congo, where numerous armed groups are fighting for control over mineral-rich territories. The ongoing violence has led to one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, displacing over seven million people. M23, reportedly backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops, has occasionally threatened to advance as far as Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, raising alarm among regional and international actors.
The United Nations Human Rights Council is currently investigating allegations of atrocities committed by both the Congolese military and M23 fighters, including reports of rape and summary executions.
The European Union recently imposed sanctions on individuals linked to the conflict, targeting M23 leaders and Rwanda’s gold refinery, which has been accused of profiting from illicit mineral trade in the region.
Tensions have also escalated between Rwanda and Belgium, with Rwanda cutting diplomatic ties after Belgium suspended development aid, accusing the country of attempting to destabilize the region.
The diplomatic fallout adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, further straining relations between international stakeholders.
Meanwhile, the United States has expressed growing interest in Congo’s mining sector, with discussions underway for a potential partnership. U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson recently met with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi to explore security and economic collaborations, emphasizing the need for stability to attract foreign investment.
With M23 refusing to participate in the upcoming talks, the path to peace in eastern Congo remains uncertain. The failure of negotiations risks prolonging the conflict, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, and deepening regional instability.
