Planned peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, were cancelled Sunday. The talks, mediated by Angolan President João Lourenço, were called off due to a failure to reach an agreement.
According to the Congolese presidency, the talks stalled over Rwanda's demand for direct dialogue between the DRC and the M23 rebel group. The DRC government maintains that the M23's existence is dependent on Rwandan military support, and therefore refuses direct negotiations.
However, Rwanda's Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said Friday that Kigali wanted "a firm commitment from the DRC to resume direct talks with the M23 within a well-defined framework and timeframe."
While Angolan mediation led to a fragile truce in August, which temporarily stabilized the front lines, fighting has intensified since late October. The eastern DRC, rich in minerals, has been embroiled in internal and cross-border violence for decades, involving numerous armed groups.
Despite the cancellation of the summit, both countries had recently formed a joint committee, with Angolan leadership, to monitor ceasefire violations. A document outlining Rwandan troop disengagement from Congolese territory has also been approved by both governments.