The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group announced on Monday that it will withdraw from peace talks set for Tuesday in Angola, citing EU sanctions against the group and Rwandan officials. The move comes after the European Union imposed sanctions earlier in the day to “obstruct” the talks.
The Congo River Alliance of rebel groups, which includes the M23 group, made the statement after the EU actions were taken. Rwanda also severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, accusing it of trying to maintain its “neo-colonial delusions”.
M23 rebels had planned direct negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo government to end the conflict in eastern Congo, but President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration refused such talks earlier this year.
However, Tshisekedi announced last week that he was willing to meet with M23 leaders after meeting with an Angolan mediator. The Congolese delegation will proceed with negotiations despite the withdrawal.
The M23 rebel group has been fighting the government for over a decade, and its actions have killed thousands of people and displaced hundreds of thousands since the beginning of this year.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/m23-rebels-withdraw-from-congo-peace-talks/a-71956448