M23 rescinds promise to lay down arms as DRC turns back on negotiations

Tshisekedi disclosed his position during a press conference with Swiss counterpart Alain Berset.

He added that the M23 fighters are gradually vacating areas under their control and that the rebels will handover weapons at MONUSCO’s base before being transported to Kindu Town for rehabilitation.

However, Tshisekedi ruled out any dialogues with M23, as the Congolese Parliament had decided against negotiating with armed groups.

In response, M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka took to Twitter to state that “there will be no cantonment, disarmament, and demobilization” until there is “Direct Political Dialogue” between the rebel group and the Kinshasa Government.

Meanwhile, M23 President Bertrand Bisimwa accused Tshisekedi of sabotaging the peace process initiated by the East African Community.

Bisimwa alleged that Tshisekedi’s refusal to hold talks with M23 and separate the group from armed groups like FDLR went against the EAC’s resolutions.

Tshisekedi also addressed allegations that Rwanda had accused DRC of collaborating with the genocidal group FDLR, stating that the group posed no problems.

However, a UN expert report released last year indicated that FDLR formed a coalition with Congolese Army (FARDC) in attacks against M23.

The report also claimed that the DRC government supplied the group with weapons, ammunition, uniforms, and medicaments.