The M23 rebel movement has announced its withdrawal from planned negotiations with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government, citing international sanctions as a key obstacle to dialogue. The talks, set to begin on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola, aimed to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC.

Despite initially sending a delegation, M23 released a statement through its spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, expressing frustration over what it described as external interference. The group accused certain international bodies of deliberately hindering peace efforts and making negotiations unfeasible.

"Successive sanctions imposed on our members … severely undermine direct dialogue and make any progress impossible … Under these circumstances, the talks have become impracticable. Consequently, our organization can no longer continue to participate in the discussions," the statement read.

🚨 COMMUNIQUÉ OFFICIEL 🚨

L’#AFC/#M23 dénonce les sanctions injustes et les attaques indiscriminées du régime de Kinshasa, compromettant le dialogue de paix.
Face à cette escalade, la tenue des pourparlers devient impossible. pic.twitter.com/APXquj3Pim

— AFC-Alliance Fleuve Congo (@afcongo) March 17, 2025

Earlier, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that the European Union intends to impose new sanctions on nine individuals and one organization linked to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

Read more: Over 7,000 killed in Eastern DR Congo since January: PM

Following the breakdown of mediation efforts led by Angola, M23 resumed its military campaign, capturing extensive territory in the region. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels and demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan forces, an allegation Kigali denies.

In January, M23 took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and in February, its fighters entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu.