M23 Rebels Withdraw from Peace Talks in Congo Ahead of Scheduled Negotiations

The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have withdrawn from peace talks scheduled in Angola due to European Union sanctions imposed on them and Rwandan officials. Their decision points to the complications surrounding ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the eastern Congo conflict.

On March 17, 2025, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels announced their withdrawal from upcoming peace negotiations scheduled for March 18 in Angola. These talks were intended to address and potentially resolve ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The rebels belong to the Congo River Alliance, which has stated that their decision to pull out stemmed from recent European Union sanctions imposed on both M23 and Rwandan officials, which they perceive as a hindrance to the negotiations.

The withdrawal of the M23 rebels from the peace talks highlights the complexities involved in resolving the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The imposition of EU sanctions has inadvertently contributed to the stalemate, raising concerns about the viability of the peace process. Continued dialogue remains crucial to address the underlying issues in the region.

Original Source: www.dw.com