Congo and Rwanda will struggle to unwind M23 tensions

Significance

Despite the announcement, the two sides continue to trade accusations, while military confrontations intensify on the ground.

Impacts

• The DRC government has never appeared eager to negotiate with the M23 and recent events have narrowed the space for dialogue further.
• M23's possession of sophisticated weapons will deepen suspicions that it has Rwandan support.
• Escalating inter-communal tensions and hate speech may trigger further violence and encourage reprisals.