The Democratic Republic of Congo refuses to have direct talks with M23 rebels regardless of international pressure. This rebel group has captured major areas in eastern Congo in recent months. British officials have urged for a dialogue that includes M23 as part of finding a political solution. DR Congo Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka explained to the BBC that her government prefers negotiating with Rwanda, which they blame for supporting M23.
The conflict worsened in January, resulting in at least 8,500 deaths based on Congolese reports. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes because of the violence. Both UN specialists and other observers identify Rwanda as having significant involvement. Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka maintains that Rwanda threatens DR Congo's borders and authority.
UN experts documented between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers entering Congolese land to support M23 fighters. Angola tried to broker peace last December, but talks collapsed when Rwanda insisted Congo speak directly with the rebels. Following this failure, M23 quickly seized control of Goma and Bukavu during January and February. Regional African leaders recently proposed multiple steps to resolve the situation.
Their recommendations included stopping all fighting, removing foreign forces from Congo, and establishing negotiations between government and non-government groups like M23. When journalists questioned Rwandan President Paul Kagame about his military presence in Congo, he claimed ignorance. Western nations previously viewed Rwanda favorably, but this support has diminished rapidly. Countries worldwide demand that Rwanda pull its military out of Congo.
The prime minister pointed out that Rwanda has yet to comply with these demands. She appreciated American sanctions against Rwandan minister James Kabarebe, believing these measures helped pressure Rwanda. Rwandan officials dismissed the sanctions as unfair and unhelpful in ending the crisis. European authorities have stopped defense discussions with Rwanda and are reviewing their agreement regarding raw materials.
Congo welcomes these European actions, as the prime minister believes illegal resource extraction fuels the conflict. Congo accuses Rwanda of stealing minerals from eastern regions, which Rwanda denies. British authorities announced they would stop aid to Rwanda, except funds for vulnerable populations, unless Rwanda withdraws troops, participates honestly in discussions, and stops fighting.
Rwanda called this approach unfair and claimed it threatened its security needs. The prime minister stated that Rwanda continues to ignore international calls for withdrawal, emphasizing that Congo does not block peace efforts. Rwanda previously admitted sending troops both for protection and attacks during this conflict, claiming they needed to defend themselves. Rwanda frequently accuses Congo of protecting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
This organization includes individuals who participated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The prime minister denied any cooperation between Congolese forces and these rebels but stated her country plans to neutralize these fighters. When asked how to solve the crisis without talking to M23, she gave a straightforward answer: Rwanda must remove its soldiers from Congo and prevent M23 from harming Congolese citizens.
The conflict worsened in January, resulting in at least 8,500 deaths based on Congolese reports. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes because of the violence. Both UN specialists and other observers identify Rwanda as having significant involvement. Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka maintains that Rwanda threatens DR Congo's borders and authority.
UN experts documented between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan soldiers entering Congolese land to support M23 fighters. Angola tried to broker peace last December, but talks collapsed when Rwanda insisted Congo speak directly with the rebels. Following this failure, M23 quickly seized control of Goma and Bukavu during January and February. Regional African leaders recently proposed multiple steps to resolve the situation.
Their recommendations included stopping all fighting, removing foreign forces from Congo, and establishing negotiations between government and non-government groups like M23. When journalists questioned Rwandan President Paul Kagame about his military presence in Congo, he claimed ignorance. Western nations previously viewed Rwanda favorably, but this support has diminished rapidly. Countries worldwide demand that Rwanda pull its military out of Congo.
The prime minister pointed out that Rwanda has yet to comply with these demands. She appreciated American sanctions against Rwandan minister James Kabarebe, believing these measures helped pressure Rwanda. Rwandan officials dismissed the sanctions as unfair and unhelpful in ending the crisis. European authorities have stopped defense discussions with Rwanda and are reviewing their agreement regarding raw materials.
Congo welcomes these European actions, as the prime minister believes illegal resource extraction fuels the conflict. Congo accuses Rwanda of stealing minerals from eastern regions, which Rwanda denies. British authorities announced they would stop aid to Rwanda, except funds for vulnerable populations, unless Rwanda withdraws troops, participates honestly in discussions, and stops fighting.
Rwanda called this approach unfair and claimed it threatened its security needs. The prime minister stated that Rwanda continues to ignore international calls for withdrawal, emphasizing that Congo does not block peace efforts. Rwanda previously admitted sending troops both for protection and attacks during this conflict, claiming they needed to defend themselves. Rwanda frequently accuses Congo of protecting the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda.
This organization includes individuals who participated in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The prime minister denied any cooperation between Congolese forces and these rebels but stated her country plans to neutralize these fighters. When asked how to solve the crisis without talking to M23, she gave a straightforward answer: Rwanda must remove its soldiers from Congo and prevent M23 from harming Congolese citizens.
