The Alliance said it could fluve the Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, and withdraw from peace talks with the Congolese government.
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In a statement released on March 17, the group accused some international organizations of deliberately undermining the peace process and imposing sanctions on their members, making direct negotiations impossible. The European Union announced new sanctions on Monday for AFC/M23 members ahead of negotiations with the Congolese government on Tuesday.
“Our organizations can no longer continue to participate in the discussion,” AFC/M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanika said in a statement Monday that he cited the government coalition’s ongoing military operations and EU sanctions on its members as an important factor that puts consultations at stake.
“The continuous sanctions imposed on our members, including those adopted on the eve of Luanda’s discussion, seriously compromise direct dialogue and prevent progress,” Cannuca said.
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Rebels say these measures are not merely obstacles to negotiations, but rather deliberate attempts to ensure that consultations collapse before they begin.
Also Read: Congo Crisis Doctor: EAC-SADC Minister agrees to pursue a political military trajectory
M23 also accused the Congolese government of strengthening military operations and rendering peace efforts pointless. The statement denounced what was called a “warm campaign” by the Kinshasa army. This is said to continue to launch severe attacks, including indiscriminate bombings in the population, and attacks using fighter jets and CH-4 combat drones.
Kanyuka said impose sanctions only encouraged President Félix Tshisekedi to “continue the warming program.”
“Under these circumstances, consultations are becoming unfeasible,” he said.
