Rwanda-backed M23 rebels said on Monday that they had withdrawn from planned peace talks aimed at resolving a spiralling conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo after the EU imposed sanctions on its leader and on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The M23 has withdrawn from the peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo that were scheduled for Tuesday, in Luanda, Angola.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

A crucial week lies ahead for the Eastern Congo issue. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 armed group have been invited for talks on Tuesday, March 18, in Luanda, Angola.