M23 rebels withdrew from peace talks with the DRC a day before negotiations, citing EU sanctions as obstructive. The DRC government will still send a delegation to talks in Angola. The conflict has intensified, linked to Rwanda’s historical involvement and exploitation of resources. EU sanctions target resource wealth, while Rwanda retaliated by severing ties with Belgium.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have withdrawn from impending peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just a day before negotiations were scheduled to commence in Angola. This withdrawal followed newly imposed European Union sanctions against M23 and Rwandan officials, which the rebels claimed hindered prospects for dialogue.
The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, criticized the EU’s actions as attempts to obstruct essential discussions. Despite this setback, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi declared a government delegation would still proceed to Luanda, indicating a refusal to capitulate to the rebels’ actions.
Conflict in eastern Congo has intensified since January, stemming from historical tensions linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and competition over mineral wealth. M23’s military gains have resulted in significant casualties and displacements, while the United Nations accuses Rwanda of directly supporting the rebel group.
The EU sanctions, imposed for the first time in response to M23’s actions this year, specifically targeted Rwanda’s mining board and a gold refinery. Zobel Behalal, an expert in transnational crime, underscored that these sanctions reflect the motivation of natural resource profits behind Rwanda’s involvement.
Rwanda’s government condemned the sanctions and severed diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing it of manipulating perceptions against Kigali. In response, Belgium’s Foreign Affairs Minister expressed intent to declare Rwandan diplomats as persona non grata, labeling Rwanda’s actions as disproportionate.
In summary, the M23 rebels’ withdrawal from peace talks signifies a major setback for efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, largely fueled by foreign interests and historical tensions. The European Union’s sanctions serve to address the underlying motivations for Rwanda’s involvement, although they are depicted by the rebels as detrimental to dialogue. As tensions escalate, international diplomatic relations further complicate the efforts for peace.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
