M23 Rebels Withdraw from Congo Peace Talks Over EU Sanctions

M23 rebels pull out of Congo peace negotiations, citing European Union sanctions as a key reason for their withdrawal.

The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda and having seized strategic regions in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, announced on Monday their decision to withdraw from this week’s scheduled peace talks with the Congolese government.

The group pointed to international sanctions placed on its members by the European Union as a significant hindrance to the discussions.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka also mentioned that the continued military offensives by Congo’s army are further complicating the talks.

The rebels labeled the talks scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda, Angola as “impracticable.” Nonetheless, despite its initial refusal to engage with M23, Congo’s government confirmed it would still take part.

Government spokesperson Tina Salama stated that a Congolese delegation had already arrived in Luanda.

In January, the conflict in eastern Congo escalated as M23 took control of the strategic city of Goma, and this was followed by their capture of Bukavu in February. Angola, serving as a mediator for the situation, had intended to facilitate direct peace talks between Congo and M23. However, plans for peace negotiations between Congo and Rwanda were called off in December after Rwanda insisted on direct discussions between Congo and M23 — a proposition that was rejected by Congo.

The M23 is among numerous armed groups in the region, where disputes over mineral resources have led to one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, resulting in the displacement of more than 7 million people.

The rebels, supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops, have occasionally threatened to advance all the way to Congo’s capital, Kinshasa.

The U.N. Human Rights Council is conducting an investigation into claims of atrocities committed by both parties, such as rape and summary executions. International tensions have escalated as well; the European Union has imposed sanctions on several nationals from Rwanda and Congo associated with the conflict, including leaders of M23 and Rwanda’s gold refinery.

Rwanda has severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, alleging that the latter is attempting to destabilize Rwanda after suspending its development aid. Meanwhile, the U.S. is exploring a potential mining partnership with Congo and has begun discussions on this front. U.S. special envoy Representative Ronny Jackson met with President Tshisekedi to discuss possibilities for security and economic collaboration, stressing the importance of maintaining peace to encourage foreign investment.