DR Congo holds firm on no-talks policy with M23 rebels despite global push

DR Congo views M23 as a terrorist organization and its stance is driven by concerns over sovereignty, past failed agreements, foreign interference, and a preference for military resistance and regional diplomacy.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) accuses M23 of having foreign backing and argues that negotiating with the group would legitimize its actions and undermine state authority.

As M23 advances, international calls for dialogue grow, but the DRC insists that rebel forces must first withdraw before any engagement can be considered.

The humanitarian crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached alarming levels, with about a million people displaced and over 8,000 reported dead. Hundreds of thousands are in urgent need of lifesaving support.

In response, the UK government has called for an inclusive dialogue, urging all parties, including M23, to seek a political solution to the conflict.

Regional blocs have also weighed in on the matter.

According to the BBC, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka reiterated her government’s position, emphasizing that Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing M23, is the primary aggressor threatening the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country.

The DRC further accuses Rwanda of illegally exploiting its mineral resources, an allegation Kigali denies.

While Rwanda acknowledges deploying troops in the region, claiming self-defense, it has countered by accusing Kinshasa of harboring FDLR militants, linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Suminwa Tuluka denied any collaboration with FDLR but confirmed the government’s commitment to neutralizing the group.

Regarding conflict resolution, Kinshasa remains firm in its refusal to engage directly with M23, insisting that a ceasefire depends on Rwanda withdrawing its forces and M23 ceasing attacks on civilians.