The M23 rebels canceled their participation in the DRC peace talks scheduled for March 18, 2025, citing EU sanctions as a reason. President Tshisekedi initially hesitated but agreed to negotiations after discussions with Angola’s President. DRC’s delegation will still attend the talks despite M23’s withdrawal. The conflict has intensified, resulting in significant casualties and displacements.
The anticipated peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, failed to commence as M23 withdrew their participation just before the talks were set to begin on March 18, 2025. The M23, part of the Congo River Alliance, attributed their withdrawal to recent European Union sanctions imposed on their leaders as well as Rwandan officials, asserting that these sanctions were an attempt by the EU to disrupt the dialogue.
Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi displayed initial reluctance to engage in direct negotiations with the M23. Nevertheless, after discussions with Angola’s President João Lourenço the previous week, he agreed to participate. Despite the M23’s decision to withdraw, the DRC delegation is still expected to travel to Luanda as originally planned for the talks. The ongoing conflict has escalated in recent months, with the M23 capturing important cities in the eastern region, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals.
The collapse of the DRC-M23 peace talks underscores the complexities of the ongoing conflict, particularly influenced by international sanctions. President Tshisekedi’s initial resistance was overcome following diplomatic discussions with Angola. Nevertheless, the DRC delegation’s determination to proceed demonstrates a continued commitment towards resolving the situation, even amid escalating violence and humanitarian issues stemming from the conflict.
Original Source: www.africa.com
