**Congolese diplomacy rejects any dialogue with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group**
The Congolese government’s firm position towards the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has been reaffirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner. In a recent statement, she stressed that the Democratic Republic of Congo does not engage in negotiations with terrorist groups such as the M23. This categorical position stems from a desire not to reward those who resort to violence to obtain political or economic gains.
According to the minister, the DRC’s tumultuous past, marked by negotiations with unscrupulous armed groups, has led to a clear change in policy: no dialogue will henceforth be initiated with entities designated as terrorists. In support of her position, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner recalled the existence of the Nairobi process, led by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, as the appropriate framework to engage in discussions with Congolese armed groups. She insisted that there is no possibility of reward for individuals involved in criminal activities such as looting, rape and assassinations.
The recent attempt at a tripartite meeting between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi, Paul Kagame and João Lourenço, aimed at ending hostilities and withdrawing Rwandan troops from Congolese areas, was cancelled due to the refusal of the Rwandan delegation to participate. The differences between the parties during the preliminary discussions in Luanda revealed a fundamental disagreement, with Rwanda conditioning the signing of any agreement on the involvement of the M23 in the talks. A proposal categorically rejected by the DRC, which refuses to recognize the legitimacy of this rebel group.
This new failure in Angolan mediation efforts highlights the persistent tensions in eastern DRC, exacerbated by the documented presence of Rwandan troops in the region. Despite hopes for a resolution to the crisis, the path to a peaceful solution seems strewn with obstacles, particularly due to the irreconcilable positions of the parties in conflict. Continuing dialogue and mediation remains essential to achieve lasting peace in the region.