Rwanda-DRC Peace Talks Collapse Over Rebel Dialogue

Summary:

• Peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to resolve the conflict in eastern DRC were abruptly cancelled.

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Peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, have been abruptly cancelled, according to the Angolan presidency. Angola, which has been mediating the discussions, announced that the summit would no longer take place as planned, with no further details provided on the reasons for the last-minute cancellation.

The DRC presidency reported that the meeting failed to proceed because the Rwandan delegation refused to attend. Rwanda’s foreign ministry cited disagreements over the terms of direct dialogue between the DRC and the M23 rebel group, a key sticking point that prevented an agreement from being reached.

The summit had been hoped to pave the way for a resolution to the conflict in the eastern DRC, where the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have seized significant territory. This has caused widespread displacement and a severe humanitarian crisis. Despite efforts for peace, fighting has escalated, with the DRC accusing M23 of killing 12 civilians in recent days, an allegation the rebel group denies.

The DRC and UN have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, although Rwanda denies the claim, admitting only to stationing troops in the region to protect its security. The latest breakdown in talks adds to the complexity of the situation, which has already displaced over seven million people.

This conflict has drawn international attention, with foreign ministers from both nations agreeing on terms to disengage Rwandan forces last month. However, violations of ceasefire agreements continue to fuel tensions. Local residents, like Aline Kasereka from the DRC’s Lubero town, have expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, urgently calling for peace talks to bring an end to the turmoil.