DRC-M23 peace talks to go ahead in Angola despite rebel withdrawal

Angola’s presidency confirmed that peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group will proceed as planned in Luanda, despite the rebels’ withdrawal from the negotiations.
The M23 announced on Monday (17 March) they were pulling out due to sanctions imposed by the European Union on several Rwandan officials, which they claim undermine the peace process. The Congo River Alliance of rebel groups, which includes the M23, said in a statement that the EU actions were aimed at “obstructing the much-anticipated talks.” The rebels argued that these sanctions, enacted just before the talks, hindered direct dialogue and would make any meaningful progress impossible. Despite the setback, the DRC government is proceeding with the scheduled talks, with their delegation already en route to Luanda. “All conditions have been met for the negotiations to begin on 18 March, as planned,” a statement by Angola’s presidency has said.
The EU sanctions, which target M23 and Rwandan officials, have heightened tensions, particularly given the DRC’s longstanding accusations that Rwanda supports the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. The M23’s decision to withdraw from the talks has further escalated concerns about the stability of the region, where the conflict has already displaced hundreds of thousands and led to significant casualties. Angola, which has been facilitating the talks, continues to push for a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the need for negotiations to avoid further bloodshed in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, a region plagued by numerous armed groups.