M23 barred from DR Congo reconciliation talks

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi said Thursday that the M23 armed group will not take part in a national reconciliation dialogue in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a speech broadcast on national television, Tshisekedi said a peace agreement signed in December in Washington was the “appropriate framework” for dealing with the M23. “The national dialogue will not substitute for this process,” he said.

Some opposition figures had wanted representatives of the M23, or former president Joseph Kabila, to be included in the dialogue, which Tshisekedi announced in mid-July.

After ruling out their involvement, Tshisekedi said “a path to reintegration within the national community” remained open for those who renounce violence and condemn aggression.

He said consultations would take up to three months. The resulting document would be used as a basis for national talks and a national pact focused on peace and national unity.

Eastern DR Congo has faced repeated conflict, including the resurgence of the M23 since 2021. AFP describes the group as backed by Rwanda. M23 fighters have seized large areas of territory, and the December peace deal has not ended the fighting.

Kabila was sentenced to death in his absence in September 2025 for “complicity” with the group.