M23 rebels cause war and flee peace

M23 rebels supported by Rwanda have abandoned peace talks with the Congolese government scheduled for this week. The group justified this decision due to the sanctions imposed by the European Union on several Rwandan citizens linked to the conflict, including the leaders of the rebels.

M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka said that the military offensive carried out by the Congo army further complicated the negotiations. The revolts considered the conversations «Impracticable». Nevertheless, the Government of Congo confirmed that it would be willing to continue the conversations. It is recalled that in December, there was an attempt to get peace between Congo and Rwanda, but were canceled after the Rwanda required a direct dialogue between Congo and M23, which was rejected by Congo.

The conflict in East of Congo worsened in late January, when the M23, supported by 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, took the cities of Goma and Bukavu in the east of the country, and threatened to advance to the capital of Congo, Kinshasa. This rebel group is one of many armed groups in the region fighting for mineral resources and contributed to one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world, with more than seven million displaced.

The UN Human Rights Council is investigating alleged atrocities committed on both sides, including violations and summary executions during the conflict. However, the Rwanda has cut diplomatic relations with Belgium, accusing it of destabilizing the country by suspending economic aid.