The coalition's spokesperson has explained why they withdrew from peace talks mediated by Angola

The rebel Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) and M23 movement insist that their ultimate goal is peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), but it says achieving it has been obstructed by government offensives.

Speaking with RT, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stressed that the group had consistently called for direct negotiations with the DRC government to resolve the long-standing conflict in the east of the country.

Kanyuka said that despite mediation efforts led by Angolan President Joao Lourenco, government forces have continued launching attacks on populated areas, causing mass displacement. 

The spokesperson insisted that the movement is fighting to "liberate" the Congolese people from hate speech, xenophobia, corruption, and poor governance. "We have so much minerals, so many minerals and so much wealth under the soil of DRC and our population are not benefiting for it," he stated.

Kanyuka argued that the key to ending the decades-long conflict is a sincere and direct political dialogue addressing the root causes of instability. 

"What we want today is peace in the DRC," he emphasized. 

Kanyuka also criticized the role of Western powers. Decisions are being made in offices overseas, while "we [Africans] are living in Africa, they [Western powers] should give power to Africans to actually solve this problem themselves," he said.

The European Union has imposed sanctions on five senior rebel leaders, including AFC president Bertrand Bisimwa, citing human rights violations. In response, the AFC coalition, which includes the M23 force, withdrew from a planned meeting on Tuesday in Angola claiming the EU is deliberately attempting to undermine peace efforts in the DRC and obstruct "much-anticipated talks."

Earlier on Monday, Rwanda, which has repeatedly denied any involvement in the violence, criticized Belgium for calling on Western nations to impose sanctions on it. The country bordering the DRC has severed diplomatic ties with Brussels and ordered Belgian diplomats to leave Kigali within 48 hours.

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Since early 2025, at least 8,500 people, including children and peacekeepers, have been killed in escalating clashes between rebels and Congolese forces. The militants have meanwhile captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.