The long-awaited peace talks between the M23 rebel group and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been abruptly halted after the M23, a Rwanda-backed rebel faction, announced its withdrawal on Monday. The decision came hours after the European Union imposed sanctions on the group’s political leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, and several Rwandan army commanders.
The M23 had initially agreed to send a delegation to Angola’s capital, Luanda, for talks scheduled to begin on Tuesday. This marked a significant shift from the DRC government’s previous refusal to engage in direct negotiations with the rebels. However, the group reversed its decision following the EU’s announcement of sanctions, which it claims undermine the prospects for meaningful dialogue.
Escalating Conflict in Eastern DRC
The M23, a Tutsi-led rebel group, has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo this year, capturing key territories, including two of the region’s largest cities and numerous smaller towns. The conflict has displaced thousands and claimed countless lives, exacerbating one of Africa’s most protracted humanitarian crises.
In a statement, a rebel alliance that includes the M23 criticized the sanctions, stating, “Successive sanctions imposed on our members, including those enacted on the eve of the Luanda discussions, severely undermine direct dialogue and make any progress impossible.” Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 spokesperson, echoed this sentiment on social media platform X, accusing “certain international institutions” of sabotaging peace efforts.
Despite the M23’s withdrawal, the DRC government confirmed it would proceed with sending its delegation to Luanda. “We confirm our participation,” said Tina Salama, spokesperson for the DRC presidency, in a WhatsApp message. “The delegation should normally be leaving this evening.”
Angola’s Mediation Efforts
Angola has been actively mediating between the two sides for months, aiming to broker a ceasefire in a conflict with deep historical roots. Last week, Luanda announced it would host direct peace negotiations, a move seen as a potential breakthrough. However, the talks have been marred by mistrust and external pressures.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa had expressed optimism last week, stating, “Peace begins with dialogue. The sooner we talk, the sooner peace becomes a reality.” Yet, the latest developments suggest that achieving a resolution remains fraught with challenges.
Rwanda, which has repeatedly denied allegations of supporting the M23, has not yet commented on the EU sanctions or the stalled talks. The international community continues to watch closely as the conflict in eastern DRC shows no signs of abating.