KINSHASA, DRC – The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has ruled out any negotiations with the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group, despite the militants expressing openness to direct talks.
Defense Minister Guy Kabombo delivered a firm rejection of any potential dialogue on Thursday, declaring that “all plans and instructions concerning an alleged dialogue with M23 terrorists be completely burned immediately.”
His remarks came as he addressed the armed forces amid intensified fighting in eastern DRC.
Earlier in the day, the M23 and its political allies had signaled a willingness to engage in negotiations with Kinshasa.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC)—a politico-military coalition aligned with M23—said at a press conference in Goma that they were “open to direct dialogue” with the government.
The rejection by Kinshasa comes amid growing instability in the region. The M23 claims to have seized control of Goma, a strategically vital city in North Kivu province.
Reports indicate the group is also advancing toward Bukavu, the capital of neighboring South Kivu province.
President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed a “vigorous response” to reclaim all territory occupied by the rebels, calling the ongoing military operation a “rigorous” effort to restore national sovereignty.
The situation has further strained relations between the DRC and Rwanda.
Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the M23 rebels—an allegation Rwanda denies.
Last weekend, the DRC expelled Rwandan diplomats and recalled its own envoys from Kigali, signaling a sharp deterioration in diplomatic ties.
Rwanda, in turn, has accused the Congolese military of supporting remnants of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Amid escalating tensions, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot visited Kinshasa on Thursday for talks with President Tshisekedi, though no details were released about the discussions.
Barrot later traveled to Rwanda, underscoring growing international concern over the conflict.
The renewed clashes in eastern Congo have raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
Multiple diplomatic initiatives have been launched in an attempt to de-escalate the crisis, but the situation remains highly volatile.
