The rebel group Movimento 23 de Março (M23) has announced that it is canceling its participation in the peace talks with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), scheduled for Tuesday in Luanda.

The decision follows sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) on nine individuals and a refinery based in Kigali, accusing "certain international institutions" of sabotaging peacemaking efforts.

The announcement was made by M23 spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka on the social network X, where he blamed the international institutions for making the talks mediated by Angola impossible. The group had previously confirmed the presence of five delegates at the meeting, responding to an invitation from the Angolan authorities.

The EU sanctions, adopted this Monday, target the political leader of the M23, Bertrand Bisimwa, as well as senior army commanders in Rwanda, the country accused of supporting the M23 Tutsi rebels. Rwanda denies any involvement.

In recent weeks, M23 has launched a new offensive in eastern DR Congo, conquering strategic territories, including the region's two largest cities and several smaller towns. The insurgent group has been at the center of tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali, with mutual accusations of interference in the conflict.

Despite the cancellation by M23, the Congolese government maintains its intention to take part in the negotiations in Luanda. "We confirm our presence," said Tina Salama, spokesperson for the DR Congo presidency, in a message sent via the WhatsApp platform, adding that the government delegation was due to leave this Monday.

Angola has played a central role in mediating the conflict, seeking to establish a lasting ceasefire and reduce tension between DR Congo and Rwanda. (text: DW)