DR Congo Stands Firm Against Direct Talks with M23 Amid Growing Pressure

The Democratic Republic of Congo remains resolute in its refusal to engage in direct talks with the M23 insurgent group despite international calls for inclusive dialogue. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka emphasizes the need to negotiate with Rwanda, which the Congolese government holds responsible for supporting the rebels, amidst increasing regional instability and humanitarian crises.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to resist mounting international pressures advocating for direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group, which has recently gained significant ground in the eastern region of the country. This resistance comes despite calls from various countries, including the United Kingdom, for an "inclusive dialogue" aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.

In a recent interview, DR Congo’s Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka articulated her government’s position, emphasizing the need to engage in discussions with Rwanda, which is accused of supporting M23 — a claim bolstered by allegations that Rwandan troops have crossed into Congolese territory to aid the insurgents. According to Congolese officials, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 8,500 individuals since January, displacing hundreds of thousands amid unprecedented chaos.

The Prime Minister highlighted a report from UN experts, indicating between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan military personnel are actively participating alongside M23 fighters, asserting that "the aggressor of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo is Rwanda."

Previous peace talks mediated by Angola faced challenges when Rwanda insisted on direct talks between the DRC government and M23, leading to increased rebel activity and the seizure of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, by the insurgents early this year. The matter escalated during a joint mediation effort by East and Southern African leaders, who urged for a ceasefire, the withdrawal of foreign armed forces, and mediated discussions involving both state and non-state actors, including M23.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s response to questions regarding military involvement was notably vague when he remarked, "I don’t know," which sparked further scrutiny of Rwanda’s military actions. The conflict has strained Rwanda's relationship with the West, with mounting calls for accountability and withdrawal of its forces from DRC.

Suminwa Tuluka expressed support for recent US sanctions against Rwandan officials, advocating that such measures are necessary to apply pressure on what she terms aggressors. Conversely, Rwanda condemned these sanctions, labeling them as unjustified. Additionally, the European Commission has halted defense consultations and is reassessing its existing agreements with Rwanda regarding resource management.

The UK government has also threatened to suspend aid unless Rwanda takes tangible steps towards peace and withdrawal, a decision characterized by Rwanda as punitive. Prime Minister Tuluka contended that the Congolese government is not the impediment to resolving the conflict but rather labeled Rwanda as the obstacle to direct talks.

While acknowledging the complexity of the conflict, Rwanda has historically typified its military presence as a defensive necessity and accused the DRC of harboring the FDLR, a militant group with ties to the Rwandan genocide. Suminwa Tuluka countered these claims, affirming that the DRC army does not collaborate with FDLR militants but acknowledged a strategy for addressing the group.

When addressing potential solutions, Tuluka posited that direct negotiations with the M23 are not viable; instead, the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and a cessation of violence against Congolese citizens are indispensable to achieving a lasting ceasefire.