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February 26, 2025
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Rwanda-DRC Talks Break Down, M23 Rebels Persist in Eastern Congo Conflict”Last-Minute Setback

Recent peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, have collapsed after negotiations reached an impasse. This setback comes as the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group continues to devastate the region, having seized large swaths of land in eastern DRC since 2021. The escalating violence has triggered a major humanitarian crisis, displacing thousands and causing widespread concern across the international community.

The M23 rebels have carried out a brutal campaign marked by severe atrocities, including summary executions, forced civilian recruitment, and ethnic violence. Human Rights Watch has documented the killing of at least 131 civilians in Kishishe, with eyewitnesses recounting horrific scenes of mass executions. The violence has fueled displacement, fear, and destruction in the region.

The M23 rebels posing for a photo

In addition to the M23, several other militia groups, such as the Patriots’ Alliance for a Free and Sovereign Congo (APCLS) and the Nyatura’s Coalition of Movements for Change (CMC/FDP), have emerged. These groups have also been implicated in heinous acts, including rape, killings, and village raids.

A highly anticipated summit, scheduled to take place on Sunday, aimed to mediate a ceasefire between Rwanda and the DRC. However, the talks faltered after Rwanda demanded that the DRC engage in direct dialogue with the M23 rebels—a condition the Congolese government rejected. The DRC argues that the M23 would not exist without Rwanda’s military backing, making direct talks with the rebels untenable. Rwanda, on the other hand, denies supporting the M23 and accuses the DRC of harboring the FDLR militia, which Rwanda sees as a threat to regional stability.

The summit’s collapse is a significant blow to efforts to bring peace to the region, leaving the situation even more uncertain. The international community, including the United States and the European Union, has urged Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 rebels and for both parties to work toward a peaceful resolution.

Rwanda’s insistence on direct talks between the DRC and the M23 rebels remains a key sticking point. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe emphasized that Rwanda requires a “firm commitment” from the DRC to hold such talks within a well-defined framework. However, the DRC maintains that the M23’s existence is directly tied to Rwanda’s military involvement, making the proposed talks unfeasible.

This disagreement underlines the long-standing tensions between the two countries. The DRC holds Rwanda responsible for fueling the conflict, while Rwanda accuses the DRC of supporting the FDLR, a group blamed for triggering the 1994 Rwandan genocide and one that continues to operate in the DRC.

The conflict has its roots in historical grievances, particularly the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The DRC’s failure to disarm the FDLR militia, which includes many former perpetrators of the genocide, has exacerbated tensions. Meanwhile, the M23’s insurgency has destabilized the already fragile eastern DRC, further complicating peace efforts.

Since late October, clashes between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army have intensified, and the humanitarian consequences are dire. Reports of unlawful killings, sexual violence, and other war crimes committed by the M23 rebels are widespread. The continued fighting has left civilians in the region caught in the crossfire, with limited access to aid and essential services.

Despite mediation efforts, including Angola’s attempts to stabilize the front lines in early August, both sides continue to exchange fire. The lack of direct dialogue between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, compounded by Rwanda’s refusal to withdraw troops from Congolese territory, has only deepened mistrust.

As the international community watches closely, the prospect for a peaceful resolution remains unclear. Both sides have suffered tremendous losses, and while the world calls for an end to hostilities, the path to peace appears increasingly distant. The formation of a joint monitoring committee, led by Angola, to oversee ceasefire violations is a step forward, but without significant changes in diplomatic strategy, the conflict risks dragging on for much longer.

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