The M23 rebel group has made significant progress in the country’s eastern sector in recent months, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is defying growing international demand to negotiate directly with them.

Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka informed reporters that her government will only engage in talks with Rwanda, which it claims supports the M23, despite recent requests for inclusive discussion from the UK and other international powers.

Congolese authorities say hundreds of thousands have been displaced and at least 8,500 people have been dead since January.

According to Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka, Rwanda is the “aggressor” infringing on the DRC’s territorial sovereignty. According to a report by UN experts, between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops entered eastern Congo to aid the M23 rebels.

She accused Kigali of obstructing peace, saying, “The fact remains that the aggressor… is Rwanda.”

In a recent CNN interview, Rwandan President Paul Kagame said, “I don’t know,” in response to a query about his troops’ involvement in eastern Congo.

Rwanda’s once-close relations with Western countries have been weakened by the conflict. In addition to the European Commission suspending defense negotiations and reviewing a raw materials agreement with Rwanda, the United States recently levied penalties on Rwandan government official James Kabarebe.

In addition, the UK government has declared that funding will cease unless Rwanda withdraws its troops and participates in serious peace negotiations, with the exception of money for the most vulnerable and impoverished.

Rwanda claims it must protect its national security and has rejected these actions as “punitive” and “unjustified.”

There has been no progress on attempts to resolve the crisis, including a joint East and Southern African endeavor. A ceasefire, the evacuation of foreign troops, and direct negotiations between the DRC and non-state entities, like as the M23, were recently demanded by regional leaders.

Direct talks with the rebel group are still rejected by DR Congo, though. According to Prime Minister Suminwa Tuluka, two things must happen for there to be peace:

“Make sure Rwandan forces leave Congolese territory and that their M23 ceases to murder Congolese people,” she stated.

The Congolese army is accused by Rwanda of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group connected to the 1994 Rwandan genocide—an allegation the DRC denies.