Rwanda-backed M23 rebels on Monday pulled out of peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government less than 24 hours before the warring parties in eastern Congo’s worst conflict in decades were due to convene in Angola.
The rebel alliance, of which M23 is a member, said it was withdrawing from what could have been the two sides’ first direct negotiations because of European Union sanctions imposed earlier in the day against M23 and Rwandan officials.
The Congo River Alliance said in a statement that the EU’s actions were aimed at “obstructing the much-anticipated talks”.
The M23 has long demanded direct negotiations with the Kinshasa government, but Congo President Felix Tshisekedi had refused, arguing that M23 is merely a front for Rwanda.
He reversed his position on Sunday and agreed to send a delegation to Luanda in response to a series of battlefield setbacks and prodding from his ally Angola.
Authorities confirm that the delegation will be going to the capital to honor the invitation and express willingness to end the conflict.