The March 23 Movement (M23) rebels have pulled their delegation from peace talks held in Doha, Qatar. The talks, mediated by Qatar’s President Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, began in April, aiming to resolve conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Both parties agreed on a ceasefire, stopping hostilities, rejecting hate speech, and addressing the conflict’s root causes. They also committed to involving religious leaders and the media to promote peace and urged M23 to vacate territories under their control as a goodwill gesture.

In early April, M23 withdrew from Walikale town and nearby areas. The rebels then requested the release of 700 detainees allegedly linked to their movement. However, the government freed only five individuals, none from the submitted list.

This week, M23’s delegation led by Executive Secretary Benjamin Mbonimpa and intelligence chief Colonel John Imani Nzenze withdrew from the talks. The move followed unresolved differences between the rebels and the DRC government.

M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kingston Kanyuka, stated the withdrawal was due to the Kinshasa government’s lack of political will to end the conflict peacefully. The delegation left under orders from the movement’s senior leadership.

Kanyuka also accused the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and allied forces of continuing attacks against M23 positions and civilians in North and South Kivu provinces, despite the ceasefire agreement.

The spokesperson emphasized that the Banyamulenge tribe in South Kivu remains a target of ongoing assaults, undermining the peace process. The DRC government has not yet responded to these allegations.

M23 controls large parts of North and South Kivu, including key cities Goma and Bukavu, plus Goma and Kavumu airports. The impact of their withdrawal on future hostilities remains uncertain.

No official comment has been issued by the DRC government. The situation leaves the peace process hanging, with fears of renewed conflict looming over the region.

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