The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reiterated its refusal to hold direct talks with the M23 militia, which has made significant military gains in the country’s eastern region. Instead, the government remains open to dialogue with Rwanda, which the United Nations and other international observers have identified as a key backer of the rebel group.
In an interview, DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka accused Rwanda of violating the country’s sovereignty and cited a UN report that said 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops had crossed into Congolese territory to support the M23 militia. Rwanda continues to deny involvement in the conflict.
The conflict in the region has escalated since January, with Congolese authorities reporting more than 8,500 deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced people, creating one of the world’s most serious humanitarian crises.
Efforts to mediate the conflict have so far failed. Peace talks brokered by Angola collapsed in December after Rwanda insisted the DRC government negotiate directly with the M23 militia. The rebel group advanced rapidly after the collapse, taking control of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025.
Last month, new mediation efforts led by South Africa and other African countries called for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of foreign armed forces and direct negotiations between state and non-state actors, including the M23 militia.
International pressure on Rwanda is increasing. The United States recently imposed sanctions on Rwandan officials, including government minister James Kabarebe, while the European Union suspended defense consultations with Kigali and announced a review of its raw materials deal with the country. Rwanda described the measures as “unfair.”
Prime Minister Tuluka welcomed the EU’s position, stressing that illegal exploitation of resources was a major driver of the conflict. He reiterated that peace could only be achieved through direct talks with Rwanda and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.