In a dramatic turn of events, the March 23 Movement (M23), which has been a significant force in the ongoing struggles in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has announced its withdrawal from peace talks scheduled to take place in Luanda, Angola. This announcement was made on March 17, 2025, by Corneille Nanga, the leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which supports the M23. The group cited international sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) as a primary factor in their decision, describing the talks as 'impracticable' under the current circumstances.
The sanctions specifically target several leaders of the M23, including Bertrand Bisimwa, the political face of the group, and were enacted shortly before the proposed negotiations. In a statement, the M23 expressed that the sanctions are part of a strategy to prevent the resolution of the ongoing conflict in the region, where violence has surged despite global diplomatic efforts to stabilize the situation. The group stated, “while a ceasefire has been declared, neither side can take action or benefit from decisions that could weaken the other party to the conflict.”
Just a day before the announcement, military forces from the DRC, along with their Wazalendo allies, had successfully halted an advance by M23 rebels towards Walikale-Centre, a strategic town during the ongoing unrest. Troops pushed the rebels back to Mpofi, approximately 52 kilometers from the center, where they had been poised to attack. “Thanks to military reinforcement from Bunia in Ituri province, our forces prevented what could have been a significant escalation in hostilities,” stated a military spokesperson, reflecting on the situation that unfolded over the past week.
Calm returned to the area following the halt in fighting, but the situation remains tense, with many civilians displaced and village populations swelled as residents fled towards safer areas. Towns like Losso and Mungele have seen an influx of people seeking refuge from the violence. Sadly, this mass movement of people is a stark reminder of the dire humanitarian situation in DRC, where more than 7 million individuals have been displaced due to the conflict.
Meanwhile, on March 17, 2025, ministers from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened in Harare, Zimbabwe to forge a roadmap aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. While the communique described measures to facilitate dialogue and humanitarian access, it notably did not name Rwanda in connection with its alleged support for the M23, despite broader reports confirming Rwandan involvement. According to the UN, Rwanda has been accused of supporting M23's military efforts and seeking to capture resources in the conflict-ridden areas.
This roadmap, which is to be initiated within 30 days, includes direct dialogue initiatives, negotiations for an unconditional ceasefire, and enabling the free movement of humanitarian assistance. The action plan also encompasses arrangements to ensure the opening of key airports, such as Goma and Kavumu, critical for delivering aid. However, critics argue that peace initiatives lack teeth without a clear stance on regional actors involved in the conflict, particularly Rwanda.
In recent developments involving Rwanda, the country has escalated its diplomatic tensions with Belgium. Following the EU sanctions, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, expelling all Belgian diplomats from the country. This move has been interpreted as a retaliatory act, showcasing Rwanda's growing defiance against international pressures. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has previously accused Belgium of attempts to undermine his nation's sovereignty.
As conflict continues to rage in DRC, humanitarian conditions grow increasingly dire. Reports have emerged detailing the economic advantage gained by M23 through control of mining areas in eastern DRC. The group has reportedly been generating approximately $300,000 a month from these ventures, highlighting the significant financial motives behind the ongoing violence in the region.
The M23's refusal to engage in negotiations heightens concerns over the future of peace talks, particularly in light of ongoing military operations and the sanctions from the EU. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for M23, lamented that “our organisation can no longer continue to participate in the discussions” as conditions escalated. This withdrawal poses a substantial obstacle to any resolution, as local and international parties were keen to leverage Luanda's mediation effort to foster dialogue.
In light of these developments, both regional and international stakeholders are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in pursuing a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, numerous groups and agencies are calling for renewed efforts to bring conflicting parties to the negotiating table. The M23’s refusal to participate in the talks, exacerbated by sanctions and military advancements, sets a concerning precedent for what lies ahead.
With sanctions and military interventions dominating the landscape, the need for a genuine and effective roadmap for peace has never been more urgent. The international community must reinforce its commitment to fostering stability in a region plagued by decades of conflict and ensure that the interests of millions of civilians affected by the violence are prioritized.
