M23 Rebels Declare Ceasefire as Regional Leaders Plan Crisis Talks.
The M23 rebel group announced a humanitarian ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday. This comes ahead of planned talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
M23 and Rwandan forces captured Goma, North Kivu's capital, last week. The fighting has moved to South Kivu province, raising concerns about an attack on its capital, Bukavu.
The River Congo Alliance, which includes M23, promised to stop fighting for "humanitarian reasons." The group said it would not try to take Bukavu or other cities despite earlier threats to march on Kinshasa.
Past peace attempts have failed. Six ceasefires broke down in three years of conflict.
Kenya announced that Tshisekedi and Kagame will meet with other leaders in Tanzania on Saturday. The summit will join the East African Community and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address rising tensions.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged support for Congo after losing 14 soldiers there. "Peace talks must include all parties," he said. "Diplomacy offers the best path to lasting peace."
Rwanda's response was sharp. Government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo accused Ramaphosa of helping Tshisekedi "kill his own people."
The UN reports Rwanda has 4,000 troops in Congo, seeking mineral profits. The region holds coltan, vital for phones and laptops, plus gold and other resources.
Rwanda denies backing M23. It claims Congo supports FDLR rebels tied to Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
SADC has sent 1,300 troops led by South Africa. Malawi and Tanzania also contribute forces to help stabilize the region.
The M23 rebel group announced a humanitarian ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday. This comes ahead of planned talks between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
M23 and Rwandan forces captured Goma, North Kivu's capital, last week. The fighting has moved to South Kivu province, raising concerns about an attack on its capital, Bukavu.
The River Congo Alliance, which includes M23, promised to stop fighting for "humanitarian reasons." The group said it would not try to take Bukavu or other cities despite earlier threats to march on Kinshasa.
Past peace attempts have failed. Six ceasefires broke down in three years of conflict.
Kenya announced that Tshisekedi and Kagame will meet with other leaders in Tanzania on Saturday. The summit will join the East African Community and Southern African Development Community (SADC) to address rising tensions.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa pledged support for Congo after losing 14 soldiers there. "Peace talks must include all parties," he said. "Diplomacy offers the best path to lasting peace."
Rwanda's response was sharp. Government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo accused Ramaphosa of helping Tshisekedi "kill his own people."
The UN reports Rwanda has 4,000 troops in Congo, seeking mineral profits. The region holds coltan, vital for phones and laptops, plus gold and other resources.
Rwanda denies backing M23. It claims Congo supports FDLR rebels tied to Rwanda's 1994 genocide.
SADC has sent 1,300 troops led by South Africa. Malawi and Tanzania also contribute forces to help stabilize the region.
