The M23 rebel group says that including conflict-affected countries in peace dialogues is more important than political point-scoring. This, as the group faces strong criticism over its attendance at the peace and security dialogue hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation in Magaliesburg, West of Johannesburg, without a proper vetting process.
The M23s presence, months after 14 South African soldiers were killed in clashes with the group in Goma, has sparked outrage.
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation DIRCO says it was unaware of the groups attendance as it did not review the guest list.