The East African Community (EAC) had previously urged inclusive negotiations with all armed groups in the DRC after M23 resumed hostilities in late 2022. The plan sought to reintegrate domestic militias into civilian life and disarm foreign-based groups, repatriating their members.
However, momentum quickly faded. While M23 initially participated, subsequent talks focused primarily on groups allied with the Congolese army (FARDC), excluding M23.
During a discussion on RBA's Inkuru mu Makuru, lawyer Jean Baptiste Gasominari described the Nairobi talks as a political maneuver.
'I avoided calling it theater because theater entertains and conveys purpose. This was purely politicalâ€"a move by the DRC to appear cooperative,' he stated.
Senator Uwizeyimana agreed, calling the Nairobi talks 'an illusion.'
'The DRC claims all issues related to armed groups are being addressed, asserting that foreign groups should return to their countries. Yet, it refuses to treat M23 differently, grouping them with others,' he explained.
The DRC government has consistently labeled M23 a terrorist organization and vowed not to engage with them.
'The government once negotiated with M23 and even signed agreements, which it later violated,' Uwizeyimana said. 'Tshisekedi has at times admitted M23 are Congolese citizens, only to deny it later. This inconsistency reflects the chaos in their approach.'
Uwizeyimana emphasized that peace talks cannot succeed without addressing M23, which lies at the heart of tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.
'You cannot exclude M23 from the Luanda discussions, as they are central to resolving Rwanda-DRC conflicts. Ignoring them undermines the entire dialogue,' he asserted.
The Luanda talks, involving Rwanda, Angola, and the DRC, stalled after seven days when the DRC rejected direct talks with M23 despite the mediator's request.
Rwanda maintained its stance, arguing that excluding M23 rendered any agreements meaningless.
IGIHE
