Rwanda-DRC Peace Talks Canceled Following Deadlock in Negotiations
Peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo scheduled to take place in Angola on Sunday were canceled after talks hit a deadlock. The standoff stems from Rwanda’s demands that the Democratic Republic of Congo engage directly with the M23 rebel group, which is accused of receiving Rwandan support and has occupied large swaths of territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2021. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi refused, claiming the M23’s existence depended on Rwandan military support. Rwanda maintained its position and sought assurances of direct dialogue within a clear framework. The talks, brokered by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, aim to solidify a fragile truce agreed in August that has since been undermined by an escalation in the conflict. Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is rich in mineral resources and has suffered decades of violence instigated by armed groups such as the M23 movement and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, complicating peace efforts in the region.
source: Voice of America News
