M23 rebels pulled out of peace talks with the DRC due to new EU sanctions against their leaders. Despite this setback, DRC’s delegation will still attend the meeting in Luanda. The conflict has worsened, with thousands dead and many displaced. President Tshisekedi’s decision to engage in talks followed a meeting with Angolan President Lourenço.
The peace talks scheduled between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels were abruptly halted when the M23 faction withdrew shortly before the commencement on March 18, 2025. Their withdrawal was attributed to the imposition of new sanctions by the European Union (EU) targeting M23 leaders and Rwandan officials. M23 accused the EU of attempting to sabotage the negotiation process.
Initially, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi was reluctant to engage in direct discussions with M23. However, he changed his stance after a recent meeting with Angola’s President João Lourenço, which may have influenced his decision to participate in the talks. Despite M23’s exit from the negotiations, the DRC delegation intends to continue its journey to Luanda for the discussions as planned.
The ongoing conflict in the region has escalated this year, with M23 capturing several crucial cities in eastern Congo, leading to significant violence that has resulted in thousands of deaths and the displacement of many more individuals. The situation remains dire, as the humanitarian crisis continues to unfold amidst the turmoil.
The withdrawal of M23 rebels from peace talks highlights significant challenges in resolving the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. EU sanctions and internal pressures are impacting negotiations, while the intense violence continues to exacerbate the humanitarian situation in the region. Ongoing dialogue remains critical, even as tensions mount.
Original Source: www.africa.com
