Rwanda-DRC Peace Talks Canceled Following Deadlock in Negotiations

Peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), scheduled for Sunday in Angola, were canceled after negotiations reached an impasse. The deadlock stemmed from Rwanda’s demand for the DRC to engage directly with the M23 rebels, which has been accused of receiving Rwandan support and has seized vast territories in eastern DRC since 2021. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi refused, asserting that M23’s existence depends on Rwandan military support. Rwanda maintained its stance, seeking assurances of direct dialogue within a defined framework. Mediated by Angolan President Joao Lourenço, the talks aimed to solidify a fragile truce brokered in August, which has since been marred by escalating clashes. The mineral-rich eastern region of the DRC has endured decades of violence fueled by armed groups, including the M23 and the FDLR, complicating regional peace efforts.

SOURCE: VOA NEWS