A third round of peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo government and rebel movements opened Nov. 30. But the M23 [11] armed group—which has seized large chunks of territory in recent months—was not invited. A government spokesperson said [15] the insurgents must vacate occupied areas before they can join the talks. More than 50 armed and civil society groups are present at the dialogue [10], being held in Kenya under the auspices of the East African Community [16]. Those attending have been told to cease hostilities and join a new program [17] to disarm, demobilize, and reintegrate combatants into society. Rwanda, accused of backing the M23, has also been invited to this round of talks.
However, talks are largely overshadowed by accusations of a massacre [12] of 50 civilians by the M23 in the town of Kishishe, Noth Kivu province. In a statement, the M23 rejected the claims and accused the DRC government and the rival Mai-Mai [18] militia of preparing a "genocide" against Congolese Tutsi communities. The M23 meanwhile continue their advance [13] on the provincial capital of Goma.
Almost six million people are currently internally displaced in DR Congo—one of the highest figures [19] in the world. (The New Humanitarian [20], RFI [21], The New Times, Rwanda, via AllAfrica [22])
