M23 Rebels Abandon Congo Peace Talks After EU Sanctions
The highly anticipated peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are scheduled to be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, with M23 closing down after the last minute withdrawal. M23 is part of the Congo River Union, which lists new EU sanctions on its leaders and Rwandan officials, accusing the EU of trying to derail. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi initially boycotted direct negotiations with the group. However, he gave up after meeting with Angolan President Joe Lorenzo last week. Although the M23 pull was a delegation from Congo, it will continue to go to Luanda, the venue of the talks, as planned. The long-term conflict has intensified this year, with M23 occupying eastern cities, killing thousands and replacing hundreds of thousands.
source: DW
