The M23 rebel group has suspended peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo government, citing the authorities’ failure to respect a previous ceasefire deal.
According to M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the government forces have continued to attack rebel positions despite the agreement, which stated that both sides must refrain from assaults.
The Congolese armed forces, however, deny these allegations, accusing the M23 of launching attacks almost daily in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
The peace talks, mediated by Qatar, aimed to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo, where the M23 has captured large parts of the mineral-rich region, including the regional capital Goma.
A ceasefire agreement was signed in July, with both parties committing to halt fighting until the conclusion of peace talks. However, the M23 claims the government hasn’t respected its provisions, leading to the suspension of talks.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced, with the UN accusing Rwanda of backing the M23, a claim Rwanda denies.
The Congolese government also accuses Rwanda of illegally exploiting its mineral deposits in the east of the country.
Despite a joint statement reaffirming commitment to peace talks, the situation remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations.
