The leader of the Congo River Alliance, Corneille Nangaa, stated that the M23 rebel group will not comply with a ceasefire established during a meeting between Congolese and Rwandan presidents in Qatar. He emphasized the group’s determination to fight for their cause and dismissed a proposed minerals-for-security deal with the U.S., asserting the sovereignty of the Congolese people.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23 rebel group, stated that the alliance is not obligated to adhere to a ceasefire announced following a recent meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Qatar. The meeting marked the first engagement between the two leaders after M23 has aggressively expanded its territorial control in eastern Congo.
Following the unexpected meeting, which occurred after M23 withdrew from scheduled talks with Tshisekedi’s government in Angola, Nangaa asserted, “We will fight until our cause is heard.” He expressed skepticism regarding the results of the Doha discussions, emphasizing, “In the meantime, what happened in Doha, as long as we don’t know the details …, we’ll say it doesn’t concern us.”
Nangaa further criticized a proposed minerals-for-security agreement with the United States, which had been mentioned by the U.S. State Department as a potential avenue to explore partnerships in critical minerals with Congo. He declared, “The Congolese people, who are sovereign, will block the way to this treachery, this deception.”
The situation remains tense as the rebel group stands firm in its operations and objectives, illustrating a significant power dynamic in the region that poses ongoing challenges for peace efforts and international relations.
In summary, Corneille Nangaa’s statements signify a continued resistance by the M23 rebel group against external pressures, reasserting their unwillingness to abide by a ceasefire. His rejection of U.S. proposals further complicates the political landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo, indicating a persistent struggle for autonomy and recognition amidst international diplomatic interventions.
Original Source: www.marketscreener.com
