Negotiations Between Congo and M23 Rebels Suspended

The deployment of U.N. forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to allow for negotiations has actually removed Kinshasa's incentive to negotiate with rebels there. Talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels were suspended Oct. 21 over disagreements related to amnesty, disarmament and the reintegration of the rebels into the country's military. Kinshasa has no desire to allow M23, which started as a mutiny of Congolese forces, to return to its ranks, and since U.N. troops are present to limit the actions of M23, the Congolese government sees no reason to compromise.