DR Congo Government Refuses Direct Talks with M23 Amidst Ongoing Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo is rejecting calls for direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group, opting instead to negotiate with Rwanda, which it accuses of backing the rebels. The ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka indicated that resolving the conflict necessitates the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and stopping violence against Congolese citizens, while international scrutiny of Rwanda’s actions continues to mount.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is firmly resisting international pressure to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group, which has recently made significant territorial gains in the eastern region. UK officials have advocated for the inclusion of M23 in discussions aimed at reaching a political resolution. However, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka clarified that the DRC intends to negotiate directly with Rwanda, which it holds responsible for supporting the rebels.

The conflict’s toll has been severe, with Congolese authorities reporting at least 8,500 fatalities since fighting intensified in January and hundreds of thousands displaced. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of violating its sovereignty and aiding the M23. In an interview, Tuluka referred to a UN report indicating Rwandan troop involvement, stating, “The fact remains that the aggressor of the territorial integrity and of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo is Rwanda.”

Past peace initiatives, including those brokered by Angola, faced obstacles after Rwanda demanded direct dialogues with M23. The rebel group capitalized on this impasse to gain control over key cities like Goma and Bukavu. A call for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of foreign troops from Congolese land has been made by regional leaders, yet the M23 remains unaddressed in substantive negotiations.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has neither confirmed nor denied the presence of Rwandan forces in the DRC. Increased international scrutiny is prompting calls for Rwanda’s military withdrawal from the DRC, though Tuluka noted that this has yet to happen. She expressed support for U.S. sanctions against a Rwandan minister, asserting that they would contribute to pressuring the aggressors.

The European Commission has halted defense consultations with Rwanda and is reevaluating agreements regarding raw materials, with Tuluka contending that illegal resource exploitation fuels conflict. Following Britain’s recent actions to limit aid to Rwanda, unless it withdraws troops and engages in meaningful dialogue, the Rwandan government deemed these measures punitive and unreasonable in light of its national security.

Tuluka argued that Rwanda’s refusal to heed calls for troop withdrawal is obstructing conflict resolution. She emphasized that the DRC does not align with accusations of collaborating with the FDLR, instead looking to mitigate the threat posed by these militants. As prime minister, she identified troop withdrawal and cessation of violence against Congolese citizens as immediate prerequisites for peace, stating, “Ensure that Rwandan troops withdraw from Congolese territory and that their M23 stop killing the Congolese populations.”

The DRC remains resolute against engaging in direct conversations with the M23 rebel group, choosing rather to negotiate with Rwanda over its alleged support for the rebels. Despite substantial international pressure, the DRC government emphasizes its right to protect its sovereignty while calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops, marking a critical juncture in addressing the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis. The DRC’s position suggests a strategic focus on holding Rwanda accountable as a precursor to peace. It’s clear that the road to a resolution lies in addressing both the military presence of Rwanda and the activities of the M23.

Original Source: www.bbc.com