A major peace meeting aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has collapsed before it even began. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have been at the center of violent clashes in eastern Congo, announced that they will not attend the talks scheduled to take place in Angola. The discussions were set to bring the Congolese government and the rebel group to the table for the first time.
The M23 rebels said they were withdrawing because of new sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU). These sanctions targeted key military and political figures associated with the group, as well as a gold refinery accused of funding the conflict. The rebel spokesperson stated that these sanctions make negotiations impossible and have effectively shut the door on diplomacy.
EU Sanctions Shake Up the Conflict
On Monday, the EU announced penalties against several high-ranking individuals and businesses linked to the ongoing war in eastern Congo. Among those sanctioned were three senior military officials from Rwanda, five leaders of the M23 group, and a gold refinery that allegedly profits from minerals illegally taken from Congo.
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One of the most notable figures affected by the sanctions is a top commander in the Rwandan military. The EU accused him of overseeing Rwanda’s special forces, which have been deployed in eastern Congo. Additionally, the EU imposed restrictions on the head of Rwanda’s mining regulatory body, citing his involvement in the illegal trafficking of minerals.
The EU stated that Rwanda’s army is violating Congo’s territorial integrity and supporting armed conflict by backing the M23 rebels. The sanctions also cited serious human rights violations committed by the Rwandan military and the rebel group. Rwanda, however, has repeatedly denied these allegations, dismissing reports from the UN, US, and EU that claim it supports the M23.
In addition to targeting individuals, the EU also sanctioned Gasabo Gold Refinery, based in Rwanda’s capital, Kigali. The refinery has been accused of processing minerals smuggled out of Congo. The EU claims that illegal mineral trafficking fuels the ongoing war and provides financial support to M23 rebels.
Diplomatic Tensions Rise as Rwanda Cuts Ties with Belgium
Following the EU’s decision, Rwanda took drastic diplomatic action. The country announced that it was cutting ties with Belgium, a key European nation that has been vocal about the conflict. Its Foreign Ministry declared that Belgian diplomats would no longer be welcome in the country.
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Belgium responded by criticizing the move, calling it an overreaction. A Belgian official stated that instead of engaging in diplomatic dialogue, Rwanda’s government is choosing isolation. Belgium had previously expressed support for the growing international efforts to impose sanctions over the conflict in eastern Congo.
Meanwhile, leaders from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community held emergency discussions about the crisis. They urged all sides to stop fighting and demanded an immediate ceasefire by the end of the month. However, with the M23 rebels refusing to negotiate and Rwanda escalating tensions, the road to peace remains uncertain.
The ongoing war in eastern Congo has already displaced nearly a million people and caused thousands of deaths. With peace talks failing and diplomatic relationships crumbling, the violence is expected to continue, deepening the crisis in the region.
