M23 Rebels Withdraw from Peace Negotiations with DRC Amid EU Sanctions

M23 rebels have abandoned peace talks with the DRC government following new EU sanctions targeting them and Rwanda. The rebels attribute their withdrawal to these sanctions, which they believe undermine dialogue efforts. Meanwhile, the DRC government plans to proceed with its delegation to the talks in Luanda.

On Monday, the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, withdrew from peace negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) scheduled for Angola. This decision came just a day before the expected talks and followed the imposition of European Union (EU) sanctions against M23 and Rwandan officials. The Congo River Alliance condemned the sanctions as efforts to obstruct dialogue, hindering the rebels’ demands for direct negotiations with the Kinshasa government.

The withdrawal of M23 from peace talks highlights the challenges in addressing the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, which is exacerbated by allegations against Rwanda and the adverse effects of recent EU sanctions. The DRC government has expressed its intention to continue attending the peace discussions, emphasizing its commitment to seeking a resolution despite the setbacks. The situation remains fluid and illustrates the complexity of regional politics and conflict dynamics.

Original Source: www.newsbreak.com