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Rebel forces in DRC say we want peace
(MENAFN) The M23 movement and the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) have reiterated their commitment to achieving peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) but claim that government offensives have obstructed the process.
Speaking with RT, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka emphasized that the group has consistently pushed for direct negotiations with the Congolese government to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Despite mediation efforts led by Angolan President João Lourenço, Kanyuka accused Kinshasa’s forces of continuing attacks on civilian areas, leading to mass displacement. He insisted that M23 is fighting to "liberate" the Congolese people from issues such as corruption, xenophobia, and poor governance.
"We have so many minerals and so much wealth beneath our soil, yet our population does not benefit from it," Kanyuka stated.
Kanyuka stressed that a sincere and direct political dialogue is essential to ending decades of conflict. He also criticized Western powers, arguing that foreign governments are making decisions from afar while Africans should be the ones solving their own problems.
The European Union recently imposed sanctions on five senior rebel leaders, including AFC president Bertrand Bisimwa, citing human rights violations. In response, the AFC coalition, which includes M23, withdrew from a planned meeting in Angola, accusing the EU of deliberately undermining peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Rwanda—accused of backing M23—has denied involvement in the violence. On Monday, Kigali severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, expelling Belgian diplomats within 48 hours after Brussels called for Western sanctions against Rwanda.
Since early 2025, the renewed conflict between rebels and Congolese forces has resulted in the deaths of at least 8,500 people, including children and peacekeepers. The rebels have captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, further escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking with RT, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka emphasized that the group has consistently pushed for direct negotiations with the Congolese government to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
Despite mediation efforts led by Angolan President João Lourenço, Kanyuka accused Kinshasa’s forces of continuing attacks on civilian areas, leading to mass displacement. He insisted that M23 is fighting to "liberate" the Congolese people from issues such as corruption, xenophobia, and poor governance.
"We have so many minerals and so much wealth beneath our soil, yet our population does not benefit from it," Kanyuka stated.
Kanyuka stressed that a sincere and direct political dialogue is essential to ending decades of conflict. He also criticized Western powers, arguing that foreign governments are making decisions from afar while Africans should be the ones solving their own problems.
The European Union recently imposed sanctions on five senior rebel leaders, including AFC president Bertrand Bisimwa, citing human rights violations. In response, the AFC coalition, which includes M23, withdrew from a planned meeting in Angola, accusing the EU of deliberately undermining peace efforts.
Meanwhile, Rwanda—accused of backing M23—has denied involvement in the violence. On Monday, Kigali severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, expelling Belgian diplomats within 48 hours after Brussels called for Western sanctions against Rwanda.
Since early 2025, the renewed conflict between rebels and Congolese forces has resulted in the deaths of at least 8,500 people, including children and peacekeepers. The rebels have captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, further escalating tensions in the region.
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