DR Congo Stands Firm Against Direct Talks with M23 Amid Rising Tensions
DR Congo rejects direct talks with M23 rebels despite international pressure. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka prioritizes negotiations with Rwanda, accused of backing M23. The ongoing conflict has caused significant casualties and displacement. The international stance on Rwanda is shifting, with sanctions and aid pauses, while Rwanda maintains its defensive actions in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) remains steadfast in its refusal to engage in direct talks with the M23 rebel group despite significant international pressure urging for inclusive dialogues. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka emphasized that the government prefers negotiations with Rwanda, which it accuses of supporting M23. The ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 8,500 deaths since January and has displaced hundreds of thousands.
Suminwa Tuluka cited a UN report indicating that Rwandan troops have crossed into DR Congo, supporting M23 forces. Violence resumed vigorously after Angola-brokered peace talks stalled when Rwanda demanded direct negotiations with M23. Following this, the rebel group captured strategic cities, increasing instability.
Recent regional efforts have called for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of foreign armed forces, and direct talks with non-state parties, including M23. In a CNN interview, Rwandan President Paul Kagame did not confirm troop presence but has faced growing condemnation from international bodies.
The DR Congo government has welcomed US sanctions on Rwandan officials, asserting they could increase pressure on Rwanda, which dismissed the sanctions as ineffective. The European Commission has also suspended defense consultations with Rwanda, citing illegal resource exploitation as a conflict driver.
The UK has indicated that aid to Rwanda will be paused unless it withdraws troops and engages meaningfully in talks. Rwanda labeled this action as punitive, insisting that any expectation to compromise its national security was unreasonable. Suminwa Tuluka stressed that Rwanda’s forces are obstructing conflict resolution.
Rwanda has admitted to defensive operations in DR Congo, alleging that Congolese authorities support the FDLR militant group. Tuluka refuted this claim but affirmed her government’s intent to neutralize FDLR members. She concluded that guaranteed solutions include the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and an end to M23 violence against Congolese civilians.
The Democratic Republic of Congo maintains its stance against direct negotiations with the M23 group, focusing instead on talks with Rwanda, which it accuses of exacerbating the conflict. Despite international calls for dialogue and a ceasefire, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, complicating the path to peace. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, demanding urgent attention from the global community.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
