Peace talks between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to end the conflict in eastern Congo collapsed on December 15th due to disagreements over direct dialogue with the M23 rebel group. The failure of the summit, mediated by Angola under the African Union, highlights the significant challenges to finding a peaceful resolution, leaving thousands displaced and the humanitarian crisis unresolved.
A military court in eastern DR Congo sentenced 22 soldiers to death for deserting during fighting with M23 rebels, adding to a growing number of death sentences handed down in recent days. The latest sentences come as the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda according to Kinshasa, have seized more territory in the ongoing conflict.
Attacks on two camps for displaced people in eastern Congo’s North Kivu province on Friday killed at least 12 people, including children, according to local officials, an aid group and the United Nations. The UN called the attacks a “flagrant violation of human rights and international humanitarian law and may constitute a war crime”. The Congolese army blamed the attacks on an alleged rebel group, known as M23, with links to Rwanda, while M23 denied involvement. UN experts and the US State Department have accused Rwanda of backing the M23, but Rwanda denies the claims.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) witnessed a staggering 105% increase in military spending in 2023, marking the highest percentage jump globally. This surge in expenditure is attributed to heightened tensions with Rwanda, intensified clashes with non-state armed groups, and efforts to strengthen the DRC’s armed forces. The country’s military spending reached $794 million, a significant increase from the previous year.
