Representatives of rebels attending peace talks with the Congolese government dodged a crucial meeting, in which the government was to respond to criticism that it was facing.
The Ugandan official Cripis Kiyonha, who was chosen to mediate the talks, after speaking to the rebel representatives, said that the M23 had no interest in hearing what the Congolese delegation had to say.
The rebel delegation’s absence from the meeting came after, on the first day of talks, the leader of the M23 Rebel delegation, Francois Rucogoza, accused the Congolese government of lacking “visionary leadership” and corruption and incompetence.
The Congolese government delegation refused to give its response, unless the M23 rebel delegation was physically present to hear their side.