Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi categorically closed the door to any dialogue with the M23 rebel movement during his address at the United Nations General Assembly. He praised the U.S. sanctions against Rwandan officials suspected of supporting the M23.
In his speech at the UN General Assembly, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, rejected any possibility of dialogue with the M23 rebel movement. He stated that “the M23 demands a dialogue that will never be granted to them.” This statement comes amid growing tensions in eastern DRC, where the M23 has recently launched significant offensives.
The M23, a rebel movement active in eastern DRC, first emerged in the early 2000s but was dismantled in 2012 following a peace agreement with the government. However, in November 2021, the M23 resurfaced, allegedly with support from neighboring Rwanda, according to Congolese authorities. The group has carried out offensives and gained control of several towns and cities in the North Kivu province.
Sanctions… Félix Tshisekedi also commended the sanctions imposed by the United States against Rwandan officials suspected of supporting the M23, labeling the group as “terrorists.” He reiterated his call to the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on any individuals or entities involved in war crimes, crimes against humanity, and grave human rights violations committed on Congolese territory.
President Tshisekedi emphasized the seriousness of the situation in eastern DRC and the need for an international response to end the violence and restore stability in the region. Despite the deployment of East African countries’ armies to enforce a ceasefire, the M23 continues to control certain areas of the region.
