Rwanda-backed M23 rebels said on Monday that they had withdrawn from planned peace talks aimed at resolving a spiralling conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the EU imposed sanctions on its leader and on Rwandan army commanders.

The M23 has withdrawn from the peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo that were scheduled for Tuesday, in Luanda, Angola. It follows a series of events on Monday that includes the European Union announcing sanctions against members of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and the leader

The AFC/M23 rebels have confirmed that they are sending a delegation of five members to Luanda, Angola for direct negotiations with the DR Congo government, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.