The M23 rebel group has abruptly suspended peace talks with the DR Congo government, accusing Kinshasa of violating their recent ceasefire agreement. The rebels, who control swathes of North Kivu including Goma, claimed government forces continued launching attacks despite an agreement reached in Qatar last month that forbade such moves. Kinshasa denies the charges, instead blaming M23 for daily assaults. The latest breakdown came just as both sides were expected to finalize a draft peace deal mediated by Qatar. The breakdown also threatens to undermine parallel, US-brokered peace efforts between DR Congo and Rwanda, which faces persistent allegations of supporting the rebels. This development casts doubt on whether the mineral-rich region can achieve stability after decades of violence.
BBC
