M23 Rebels In Congo Threaten Boycott of Peace Deal Over Prisoners

Africa News Photo

  The new turn of situation may mare standing peace deal negotiations 

The M23 rebel in the Democratic Republic of Congo is threatening to boycott the ongoing peace process movement, over the release of prisoners that Kinshasa has not done.

It would be recalled that there had been negotiations in Doha with the rebels which resumes next month.

But the M23 permanent secretary, Benjamin Mbonimpa, took a tougher stance at a press briefing on Friday saying after the implementation of the Declaration of Principles, discussions will immediately follow to sign an actual agreement.

Congo M23 Rebel Group Commit to Ceasefire At Meeting In Quatar

A declaration signed in Doha under Qatar's mediation by both sides earlier in July intended to be roadmap towards a permanent peace deal due by 18 August.

It contained an immediate ceasefire implementation plan but the warring parties who are accusing each other of violations of the truce making the deal short-lived.

Mbonimpa. Who is also a negotiator was quoted by news sources saying, “What will we do in Doha if our prisoners are not yet released, because it is written in the declaration that this clause must be implemented before moving on to the next stage,”

The population in Goma, controlled by rebel since January 2024, say they are tire of repeated violence and want real and lasting peace.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has had to deal with the ongoing crisis since 2022, though the history of crisis in the African Country dates way back.