Very difficult issues to resolve it seems ...
Key Sticking Points in the DRC–M23 Negotiations
1. Political Reintegration of M23 Leaders
Key Sticking Points in the DRC–M23 Negotiations
1. Political Reintegration of M23 Leaders
- M23 Position: Demands full political amnesty and reintegration of its senior commanders into the Congolese military and civil institutions.
- DRC Position: Willing to consider limited reintegration, but strongly opposes allowing wanted individuals back into leadership roles.
- DRC insists on prosecuting M23 members for alleged war crimes, including attacks on civilians in North Kivu.
- M23 rejects this, insisting on a blanket amnesty similar to prior peace accords.
- M23 controls key areas near Goma and Rutshuru and is reluctant to fully withdraw without security guarantees or transitional authority over those zones.
- Kinshasa demands full withdrawal before any concessions or agreements are implemented.
- Though not officially a party to the Doha talks, Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23 is a point of deep mistrust.
- The DRC wants external monitoring to ensure Kigali’s disengagement, which complicates regional diplomacy.
- M23 wants African Union or Qatari security guarantees in areas it vacates.
- The DRC prefers to deploy its own troops, with limited international oversight, especially after tensions with MONUSCO (UN mission).