The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), a rebel group operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has announced its withdrawal from ongoing peace talks, citing international bias and continued military aggression by the Congolese government.
In an official communiqué issued on Monday, the group accused international institutions of undermining peace efforts and imposing sanctions on its members, particularly on the eve of the Luanda discussions.
According to AFC/M23, these measures have made any progress in negotiations “impossible.”
“This incomprehensible and ambiguous stance only encourages Mr. Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo to continue with his warmongering program,” the statement read, referring to the DRC’s president.
The rebel movement also alleged that the Congolese government, backed by coalition forces, has been carrying out indiscriminate bombings of densely populated areas and AFC/M23 positions using fighter jets and CH-4 combat drones.
“Under these circumstances, the talks have become impracticable. Consequently, our organization can no longer continue to participate in the discussions,” the statement concluded.
This latest development casts further doubt on efforts to end the conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 rebels have been engaged in a prolonged battle with government forces.
The group’s decision to withdraw from negotiations raises concerns about escalating violence in a region already plagued by instability.
The Congolese government has yet to respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, international observers warn that the collapse of peace talks could lead to further bloodshed and displacement in the war-torn region.
Background on the Conflict
M23, a rebel group composed largely of ethnic Tutsis, has been fighting the Congolese government for years, claiming to defend the rights of its community against discrimination.
The DRC government, in turn, accuses the group of being backed by neighboring Rwanda, a charge Kigali denies.
With peace negotiations now in jeopardy, the future of eastern Congo remains uncertain, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of the ongoing conflict.
