M23 Rebels withdraw from Congo peace talks, accuse Government of ceasefire violations
The M23 rebel group has abandoned peace negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, demanding adherence to a prior ceasefire before returning to talks. The move comes after clashes escalated in January, with M23 seizing swathes of the mineral-rich east, including Goma.
A truce signed last month in Qatar aimed to pave the way for a lasting peace deal. However, M23 representatives failed to attend Monday’s scheduled talks, accusing Kinshasa of violating the agreement.
Rebel spokesperson Kanyuka claimed government forces continued assaults despite the ceasefire.
DRC’s military denied the allegations, instead accusing M23 of near-daily attacks in North and South Kivu.
The Qatar-mediated deal, which was due to be finalized Monday, followed a separate U.S.-brokered June accord between DRC and Rwanda, accused of backing the rebels a claim Kigali denies.
An unnamed Qatari official told AFP a draft agreement had been shared with both sides. However, skepticism remains, as past peace deals have repeatedly collapsed.
The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands and claimed thousands of lives, according to the UN. Despite international mediation efforts, lasting peace remains elusive in the volatile region.
Source: bbc.com
