The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group has accused the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government of attempting to derail upcoming direct peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola.
M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka alleged that the DRC military has recently deployed fighter jets and drones to bomb densely populated areas.
Kanyuka stated on X that this “deadly escalation” reveals Kinshasa’s intention to “sabotage the long-awaited dialogue.”
Independent verification of these allegations by AFP was not immediately possible, and the DRC government has yet to issue a response.
Despite the accusations, Kanyuka confirmed the M23 and the Congo River Alliance (AFC) received Angola’s invitation for the talks in Luanda.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco had called for a ceasefire to begin Sunday at midnight, but no response has been issued by either side.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had previously refused direct engagement with the M23, which has made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC with alleged Rwandan support since the year’s start.
However, following Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Luanda, “direct peace negotiations” were announced to commence on Tuesday.
Tina Salama, a spokeswoman for Tshisekedi, confirmed that a DRC delegation will travel to Luanda on Tuesday at the mediator’s invitation to “hear what they have to say.”