M23 Rebels Withdraw from Peace Talks Following EU Sanctions

M23 rebels withdrew from peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo due to EU sanctions imposed on M23 and Rwandan officials. This development complicates the conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 has escalated military actions. The DRC government still plans to send a delegation to negotiations in Angola despite the rebels’ exit.

On Monday, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels withdrew from peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government, just a day prior to scheduled negotiations in Angola. The rebel alliance cited European Union sanctions imposed earlier that day on both M23 and Rwandan officials as the catalyst for their withdrawal. In a statement, the Congo River Alliance claimed that the sanctions aimed to obstruct the anticipated talks.

The M23 has insisted on direct negotiations with the Kinshasa government, which President Felix Tshisekedi had previously rejected, asserting that M23 is a proxy for Rwanda. However, Tshisekedi changed his position on Sunday, agreeing to send a delegation to Luanda after facing military setbacks and pressure from Angola, a regional ally. Despite the M23’s exit from the talks, Tshisekedi’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed that the government delegation would still attend.

The ongoing conflict, tracing back to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and disputes over mineral resources, has escalated significantly since January. M23 fighters have seized two major cities in eastern Congo, resulting in thousands of casualties and massive displacement. The United Nations and the international community have accused Rwanda of supplying arms and personnel to support the M23, although Rwanda contends its troops are defending against hostile factions.

The recent EU sanctions represent some of the most extensive measures enforced against M23 and Rwanda amid their recent military provocations. According to Zobel Behalal, a senior expert, these sanctions target Rwanda’s mining sector, indicating the financial incentives for its involvement in the conflict. The M23’s Congo River Alliance criticized the sanctions, stating they undermine the possibility of meaningful dialogue.

Rwanda also retaliated against Belgium at the same time, cutting diplomatic ties and ordering Belgian diplomats to leave the country within 48 hours. In response, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister Maxime Prevot declared Rwanda’s actions as ”disproportionate” and indicated that Belgium would reciprocate by expelling Rwandan diplomats.

In summary, the M23 rebels have withdrawn from peace negotiations with the DRC government due to newly imposed EU sanctions. The situation in eastern Congo continues to deteriorate, exacerbated by historical conflicts and resource disputes. The international community remains critical of Rwanda’s involvement, while diplomatic tensions between Rwanda and Belgium add complexity to the situation. Despite the challenges, the Congolese government plans to proceed with its delegation to Angola for discussions.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com