GOMA, March 20 – The leader of a rebel coalition controlling large parts of eastern Congo has dismissed a ceasefire appeal from the presidents of Congo and Rwanda, declaring that insurgents will continue their fight. He also condemned a potential minerals-for-security agreement between Kinshasa and the United States as an act of betrayal.
Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame met in Doha on Tuesday—their first direct engagement since the M23 rebels launched their latest offensive, capturing more ground than ever before. The meeting followed the M23’s abrupt withdrawal from scheduled peace talks in Angola and coincided with fresh advances by the armed group deeper into Congolese territory.
The long-standing conflict in eastern Congo stems from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and fierce competition over the region’s vast mineral wealth. The violence has escalated since January, fueling fears of another regional war reminiscent of those between 1996 and 2003, which claimed millions of lives.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23, dismissed the ceasefire appeal. “We have nothing more to lose. We will fight until our cause is heard,” he said in an interview in Goma, eastern Congo’s main city.
He accused the Congolese government of posing an ongoing threat. “We are defending ourselves. If the danger continues to come from Kinshasa, we will be forced to eliminate it because the Congo deserves better,” he stated. Regarding the Doha meeting, he asserted that the rebels would not recognize any agreement unless it directly addressed their concerns.
Kigali has repeatedly denied backing M23, arguing that its military actions in eastern Congo are defensive measures against hostile militias and Congolese forces.
Nangaa also dismissed discussions about a possible minerals-for-security agreement with the U.S. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department signaled openness to partnerships on critical minerals after a Congolese senator pitched a deal. While Kinshasa has not publicly disclosed details, Tshisekedi told Fox News on Wednesday that the government seeks a deal that fosters peace and stability in the region.
Nangaa ridiculed the idea, calling it unrealistic. “The Congolese people, who are sovereign, will block this treachery and deception,” he declared.
Meanwhile, the AFC has been attempting to demonstrate its ability to maintain order in areas under its control. Group spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said efforts were underway to reopen Goma’s airport, which was severely damaged by Congolese forces before their retreat in late January. The airport serves as a key entry point for humanitarian aid.
On Thursday, M23 fighters advanced further west, seizing the strategic town of Walikale. The capture gives them control over a vital road linking four provinces in eastern Congo and places them within 400 kilometers (250 miles) of Kisangani, the country’s fourth-largest city.
