The Rwanda-backed M23 armed group announced Monday that it will withdraw from peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola. The rebels had planned direct negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo's government to resolve the conflict in the country's east.
The Congo River Alliance of rebel groups, including M23, stated it was pulling out of talks due to sanctions imposed earlier in the day by the EU on M23 and Rwandan officials.
The rebel group coalition said in a statement that the EU actions were aimed at "obstructing the much-anticipated talks."
Rwanda also said that it was cutting diplomatic ties with its former colonial ruler, Belgium, with Kigali accusing Brussels of attempting to "sustain its neo-colonial delusions."
Rwanda announced on Monday that it had severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, giving Belgian diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.
Belgium's foreign affairs minister, Maxime Prevot, described the move as "disproportionate," adding that Brussels would declare Rwandan diplomats persona non grata.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had previously refused direct talks with the M23 rebels, who have fought the government for over a decade. However, Tshisekedi announced last week that he was willing to meet with the M23 group after a meeting with his Angolan counterpart, who has acted as a mediator in the conflict.
Tina Salama, a spokesperson for Tshisekedi, stated that despite the M23's withdrawal, the government delegation would still travel to Luanda for the talks.
The M23 escalated its offensive earlier this year, and despite assertions by the US and UN experts, Rwanda has denied supporting the rebels.
M23 is one of nearly 100 armed groups vying for control of the mineral-rich eastern Congo near the Rwanda border. The rebel group has seized two major cities in eastern Congo since fighting intensified earlier this year, resulting in thousands of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.
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Rwandan President Paul Kagame welcomed the U.S.-mediated peace agreement with the Democratic Republic of Congo, but warned its success depends on both sides showing genuine commitment.
The US will host the official signing of a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, the State Department announced Friday.
Rwanda has officially withdrawn from the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), citing political bias and obstruction by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iran named Mojtaba Khamenei to succeed his father Ali Khamenei as supreme leader on Monday (9 March), signaling that hardliners remain firmly in charge, as the week-old U.S.-Israeli war with Iran pushed oil above $100 a barrel.
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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