The M23 rebels have withdrawn from peace talks set in Angola, citing sanctions by the EU against them and Rwandan officials as the reason. The rebel alliance believes these measures obstruct their negotiation efforts with the Democratic Republic of Congo government.
On March 17, 2025, the M23 rebels announced their withdrawal from peace talks scheduled for the next day in Angola. These negotiations were intended to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, with the expectation of advancing peace initiatives.
The withdrawal is attributed to sanctions imposed earlier on the same day by the European Union against M23 and Rwandan officials. The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, expressed that these sanctions hindered the prospects for dialogue. They stated the EU’s actions were steered towards obstructing the highly anticipated negotiations.
The M23 rebels’ departure from the peace talks signifies a setback in resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. It highlights the complexities surrounding international sanctions and their potential impact on diplomatic efforts. The situation underscores the necessity for continued dialogue and the involvement of multiple stakeholders to foster peace in the region.
Original Source: www.dw.com
