DR Congo crisis: M23 rebels pull plug on planned Luanda talks
Members of the M23 rebel group supervise the exit of mercenary troops in the streets of Goma amid conflict between them and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on January 29, 2025.
Congolese rebel group, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), on Monday pulled the plug on Luanda Talks slated for Tuesday 18, protesting a series of sanctions imposed on their members by the European Union.
The group that had taken control of two key cities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had initially agreed to meet with representatives of the Congolese government, which was the first step in seeking long-term peace.
But as soon as the European Union fingered nine individuals, including Rwandan military chiefs, the rebels said the decision curtails their operations and sabotages the entire peace bid while allowing the Congolese authorities a free hand.
"The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23) deeply regrets that certain international institutions are deliberately undermining peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo and obstructing the much-anticipated talks."
“Successive sanctions imposed on our members, including those enacted on the eve of the Luanda discussions, severely undermine direct dialogue and make any progress impossible” read a statement the rebel group sent on Monday evening.
“This incomprehensible and ambiguous stance only encourages (Congolese President ) Mr Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to continue with his warmongering programme.” Later Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the AFC said the sanctions had come while the group was being attacked by the Congolese army, including targeting civilians.
“Furthermore, AFC/M23 draws the attention of the International and National Community to the warmongering campaign of the coalition forces of Kinshasa regime through multiple ground attacks and indiscriminate bombardments of densely populated areas as well as our positions, using fighter jets and CH-4 combat drones," they said in a statement.
“Under these circumstances, the talks have become impracticable. Consequently, our organisation can no longer continue to participate in the discussions" reads the statement.
The decision marks a major setback to efforts meant to find a peaceful solution to the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The rebel group had earlier on Monday announced that it has sent a five-person delegation to Luanda to participate in the direct talks with Kinshasa, under the auspices of Angolan President, Joao Lourenco.
A possible return to fighting seems to be looming as the M23 rebels claim the Congolese forces have continued their attacks on civilian territories using Sukhoi fighter jets.
