The M23 rebel group has withdrawn from peace talks in the Angolan capital Luanda, citing fresh international sanctions that it claims have undermined prospects for meaningful dialogue.
The group, expected to take part in discussions aimed at restoring peace and stability in eastern DR Congo, announced on Monday that it would not participate.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka accused international actors of sabotaging the negotiations.
“Our organization can no longer continue its participation in the discussions,” Kanyuka said.
“The successive sanctions imposed on our members, including those adopted on the eve of the Luanda discussions, seriously compromise direct dialogue and prevent any progress.”
The European Union announced sanctions on Monday against several M23 officials and high-ranking figures in the Rwandan military, further escalating tensions.
Among those sanctioned is Bertrand Bisimwa, the M23 president, as well as Jean-Bosco Nzabonimpa Mupenzi, deputy chief of finance, and John Imani Nzenze, an M23 Colonel involved in the group’s military operations.
The sanctions include travel bans and asset freezes, targeting individuals accused of fueling the conflict in eastern DR Congo.
Also sanctioned are key Rwandan military officials linked to operations in DR Congo, including Major-General Ruki Karusisi, who commanded the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Special Operations Forces before being removed from his post over the weekend in what is seen as a pre-emptive move by President Paul Kagame.
Other sanctioned RDF officers include Eugene Nkubito, commander of the 3rd division, and Pascal Muhizi, commander of the 2nd division, both of whom have been deployed in eastern DR Congo.
The sanctions extend to Gasabo Gold Refinery, which is accused of smuggling minerals that help finance the conflict.
The EU’s latest move follows a series of international sanctions aimed at pressuring both Rwanda and M23 to halt their activities in DR Congo.
Earlier, the UK imposed sanctions on General James Kabarebe, Rwanda’s former defence minister, and M23 spokesperson Kanyuka.
Kabarebe, long seen as an architect of Rwanda’s military strategy in the region, was accused of enabling M23’s operations, while Kanyuka was targeted for allegedly propagating the group’s narrative.
M23’s withdrawal from the peace talks comes amid reports that the group feared an assassination attempt against its delegates in Luanda.
The M23 had earlier delegated a five-member team for the talks in Luanda.
According to eastern DR Congo-based media, intelligence reports indicated that the Congolese government had mobilized young recruits to storm the meeting and either kill or abduct M23 representatives.
While the rebel group officially cited sanctions as the reason for pulling out, sources claim security concerns played a major role.
The DR Congo government has not responded to the allegations but has insisted that its delegation will proceed with the talks.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC), which have been mediating the crisis, are yet to comment on M23’s withdrawal.
Rwanda has consistently denied direct military involvement in DR Congo, despite widespread reports of RDF troops supporting M23 rebels.
Following the EU sanctions, Rwanda swiftly reshuffled its military leadership, appointing Brigadier-General Stanislas Gashugi to replace Karusisi as commander of Special Operations Forces.