DRC delegates attend talks with M23 movement despite rebel refusal

The Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sent its delegation to participate in negotiations with the M23 rebels, despite the fact that the rebels refused to negotiate. This was reported by the Associated Press (AP).

"Congo is still sending a delegation to peace talks in Angola, despite the fact that [representatives of] the M23 will not visit them," the agency reports.

Prior to that, representatives of the group issued a statement in which they refused to participate in the negotiations.

"Our organization can no longer participate in the discussions," said a representative of the M23 movement.

On the brink of a major war: Rwanda and DR Congo fight over resources

The current conflict could affect the whole of Africa and affect the interests of Western countries

On February 22, the rebels declared their readiness for negotiations to resolve the conflict in the east of the DRC. At the same time, they stressed that they reserve the right to protect civilians. The situation in DR Congo worsened after the Government severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda on January 26. In addition, the country was accused of supporting the rebels who launched an offensive on the city of Goma.