Rwanda Sanctions Will Undermine Push for Congo Peace Talks, Proscribed Minister Says
International sanctions against Rwanda will reduce the incentive for Kinshasa to engage in peace talks with M23 rebels who have made lightning advances in eastern Congo this year, a proscribed Rwandan minister has said. Rebels advancing in eastern Congo. The move could exacerbate existing tensions between the two countries and hinder efforts to resolve the conflict. Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized eastern Congo's two largest cities over the past month.
- The imposition of international sanctions on Rwanda may ultimately fail to pressure Kinshasa into negotiating a peace agreement with M23, as Rwanda has long argued that its military intervention is necessary for self-defense.
- Will the international community's efforts to broker a peace deal in eastern Congo be overshadowed by the increasing polarization between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo?