On March 17, 2025, the EU announced sanctions targeting key members of the M23 and Rwandan army officers, accused of supporting rebel activities in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Among those sanctioned are Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the M23’s political wing, and senior Rwandan army officers.
In response to these sanctions, the AFC/M23 issued a statement expressing its “deep regret” at what it considers “deliberate attempts by certain international institutions to sabotage peace initiatives.” The group stated that these sanctions seriously undermine direct dialogue and prevent any progress, making their participation in the Luanda talks impossible.
Meanwhile, Rwanda expelled the Belgian diplomats, giving them 48 hours to leave the country, accusing Belgium of siding with Rwanda in the DRC conflict. This decision follows EU sanctions and Belgian criticism of Rwanda’s alleged support for the AFC/M23 rebels. In response, Belgium declared the Rwandan diplomats persona non grata and suspended all government cooperation and development aid with Rwanda.
These developments have exacerbated tensions in the Great Lakes region, where the Rwandan-backed AFC/M23 controls key areas of eastern DRC. The Luanda talks, initially scheduled for March 18, aimed to establish a lasting ceasefire and ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. However, the cancellation of the AFC/M23’s participation calls into question the conduct and effectiveness of these negotiations.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, concerned about the escalation of tensions and its impact on regional stability. The EU sanctions and the breakdown of diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Belgium illustrate the complexity of the conflict and the challenges that remain to be addressed in achieving lasting peace in the region.
