The Democratic Republic of Congo is resisting growing international pressure to engage in direct talks with the M23 rebel group, which has made significant gains in the eastern part of the country.
Instead, the Congolese government wants to negotiate with neighboring Rwanda, which it accuses of backing the M23.
At least 8,500 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since fighting escalated in January.
The UK, US, and European Commission have all called for direct talks between the Congolese government and the M23, but Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka remains firm in her stance.
“The fact remains that the aggressor of the territorial integrity and of the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of Congo is Rwanda,” she said, citing a UN report that found Rwandan troops had crossed into Congolese territory and were fighting alongside the M23.
The conflict has sparked a humanitarian crisis, with thousands forced to flee their homes.
The international community is increasingly concerned about the situation, with the US imposing sanctions on Rwandan government officials and the European Commission suspending defense consultations with Rwanda.
Despite the pressure, Rwanda denies backing the M23 and accuses the Congolese government of harboring militants from the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).
The conflict shows no signs of abating, with the M23 continuing to make gains in the eastern part of the country.
