The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels announced on Monday that they are withdrawing from peace talks with the Congolese government, citing international sanctions against their members as an obstacle to dialogue.

The talks, set to take place in Luanda, Angola, on Tuesday, “have become impracticable” following the EU’s decision to impose sanctions on several M23 leaders, the group’s spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said in a statement.

Additionally, ongoing military operations by the Congolese army in the conflict-hit region further undermine the possibility of peace discussions, Kanyuka claimed.

“Consequently, our organisation can no longer continue to participate in the discussions,” he added.

Despite previously rejecting direct negotiations, the Congolese government confirmed its participation in the peace talks. Delegations from both groups had arrived in Luanda for the talks, where Angola would serve as mediator. 

The conflict has resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced. 

International action

The EU imposed sanctions on five Rwandan nationals on Monday, including the commander of Rwandan special forces deployed in eastern DR Congo.

Additionally, the EU sanctioned four Congolese nationals, including M23’s political leader Bertrand Bisimwa and three senior rebel commanders. 

Rwanda’s Gasabo Gold Refinery was also blacklisted, with the EU accusing it of facilitating the “illegal extraction and trafficking of natural resources” from eastern DR Congo.

Gold and other strategic minerals from the region are key components in smartphones and computer production. Last year, the UN reported that M23 was generating an estimated $300,000 (€275,000) per month from its control of a mining area in eastern DR Congo.

Furthermore, amid rising international pressure, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium on Monday, ordering all Belgian diplomats to leave the country.

The move comes a month after Brussels suspended development aid to Rwanda. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has accused Belgium of attempting to destroy his country.