The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reaffirmed its position of refusing direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group, despite mounting international pressure. The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified in recent months, resulting in the deaths of at least 8,500 people since January, according to Congolese authorities. Hundreds of thousands have also been displaced as violence continues to grip the region.
The UK and other international stakeholders have urged the DRC government to include M23 in peace talks, advocating for an “inclusive dialogue” to reach a political solution. However, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka insists that the real aggressor is neighboring Rwanda, which her government accuses of supporting M23.
A UN experts’ report last year estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops had crossed into Congolese territory, allegedly fighting alongside M23 rebels. Despite growing calls for de-escalation, peace talks brokered by Angola stalled in December after Rwanda insisted on direct negotiations between the DRC and M23. Following the deadlock, M23 made rapid territorial gains, capturing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu earlier this year.
At a recent regional mediation summit, East and Southern African leaders called for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of all “uninvited foreign armed forces” from the DRC. The summit also recommended direct engagement between “state and non-state parties,” including M23. However, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, when asked about Rwandan troops’ presence in DRC, gave an evasive response, saying, “I don’t know.”
In response to the crisis, the U.S. imposed sanctions on Rwandan government minister James Kabarebe, a move welcomed by the Congolese government. The European Commission also suspended defense consultations and reviewed a memorandum of understanding with Rwanda on raw materials, citing concerns over the illegal exploitation of DRC’s mineral wealth.
Meanwhile, the UK announced it would suspend most aid to Rwanda unless it withdraws its forces and engages meaningfully in peace efforts. Rwanda dismissed the measures as “punitive” and reiterated that its military actions were necessary for national security.
Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka remains adamant that direct talks with M23 are not an option, emphasizing that the priority should be ensuring the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and stopping M23 from further destabilizing the country.
