The M23 declared on Monday that they are pulling out of peace negotiations with the Congolese government. They pointed to international sanctions imposed on their members as a major barrier to productive dialogue.
Lawrence Kanyuka, M23’s spokesperson, stated in a release that the talks, scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda, Angola, are now “unworkable” due to the European Union’s recent sanctions targeting several M23 leaders.
Kanyuka also argued that the Congolese army’s continued military actions in the troubled region further weaken the prospects for meaningful peace talks.
“As a result, our organization can no longer take part in these discussions,” he added.
While the Congolese government had initially refused direct negotiations, it later agreed to join the peace talks. Representatives from both sides had already arrived in Luanda, where Angola was set to mediate the discussions.
European Union Measures
On Monday, the European Union imposed sanctions on five Rwandan individuals, among them the head of Rwandan special forces operating in eastern DR Congo.
The EU also targeted four Congolese nationals, including Bertrand Bisimwa, the political leader of M23, as well as three high-ranking rebel commanders.
Additionally, Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery was added to the sanctions list. The EU alleges that the refinery has been complicit in the “illegal exploitation and trade of natural resources” from eastern DR Congo.
