The DRC-M23 peace talks scheduled for March 18, 2025, collapsed as the M23 rebels withdrew, citing EU sanctions as the reason. President Tshisekedi initially resisted negotiations but agreed after discussions with Angola’s leader. Despite M23’s withdrawal, the DRC will still attend talks in Luanda amid escalating violence from the conflict.
On March 18, 2025, the anticipated peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda, collapsed unexpectedly. The M23 group, part of the Congo River Alliance, withdrew from the negotiations, citing newly imposed European Union (EU) sanctions against its leaders and certain Rwandan officials as a significant factor. They claimed that these sanctions were an attempt by the EU to undermine the peace efforts.
Initially, President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC was reluctant to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebels. However, after discussions with Angolan President João Lourenço last week, he agreed to participate in the talks. Despite the M23’s decision to withdraw, the DRC delegation remains committed to attending the scheduled meeting in Luanda.
The ongoing conflict in the region has escalated dramatically this year, with M23 taking control of vital eastern cities, resulting in the deaths of thousands and displacing hundreds of thousands of individuals. This unrest highlights the urgent need for a viable solution in the troubled area.
In summary, the peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels faltered due to the rebels’ last-minute withdrawal, attributed to new EU sanctions. Although negotiations were complicated by these developments, the DRC delegation will still head to Luanda in hopes of resolving the ongoing conflict, which has increasingly affected thousands of lives this year. Addressing this conflict remains critical as M23’s territorial gains exacerbate humanitarian issues.
Original Source: www.africa.com
