The M23 rebel group, which has recently made significant advances in the mineral-rich eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), announced on Monday that it would withdraw from peace talks scheduled for this week with the Congolese government. The talks were set to take place on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola, in an attempt to de-escalate the conflict.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka cited two main factors in their decision: the European Union’s imposition of international sanctions on several of the group’s members and ongoing military offensives by the Congolese army. The group called the talks “impracticable” under these circumstances.
Despite the setback, the Congolese government, initially opposed to negotiating with M23, confirmed that it would still send a delegation to the planned peace talks in Luanda. Government spokesperson Tina Salama stated that the Congolese delegation had already arrived in Angola and remained committed to dialogue.
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified significantly since the M23 captured the strategic city of Goma in January, followed by the occupation of Bukavu in February. M23, backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, has claimed control over vital areas in the region, escalating the humanitarian crisis. Over 7 million people have been displaced as a result of the ongoing violence and competition over the region’s mineral resources.
In addition to the internal conflict, the international community has become increasingly involved. The United Nations Human Rights Council is investigating allegations of atrocities committed by both the Congolese army and the M23 rebels, including claims of rape and summary executions. Sanctions have been imposed on both Rwandan and Congolese nationals linked to the violence, including M23 leaders and a Rwandan gold refinery accused of financing the rebel group’s operations.
Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting M23’s actions, reacted to these sanctions by severing diplomatic ties with Belgium after the European nation suspended development aid to Rwanda. Meanwhile, the United States has shown interest in forging a mining partnership with the DRC, which is rich in cobalt and other valuable minerals. U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson recently met with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to explore security and economic collaboration, emphasizing the need for a stable environment to attract foreign investment.
This conflict, now deeply entangled with international interests, continues to destabilize the region, making peace efforts even more challenging. The M23, despite its setbacks, has threatened to advance further into Congolese territory, with some reports suggesting they could attempt to reach the capital, Kinshasa.
