The M23 rebel group has declared a unilateral ceasefire after several days of clashes with the army in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, its spokesperson said in a statement on Friday.
The group said it was seeking dialogue with the government and that it had withdrawn its troops from the combat zone in order to avoid new confrontations with the Congolese army.Heavy fighting broke out on Monday after the M23 attacked two Congolese army positions near the borders with Uganda and Rwanda and advanced on nearby towns, causing thousands of people to flee into Uganda.
The M23 seized large swathes of territory during an insurrection in 2012 and 2013, before its fighters were driven out by Congolese and United Nations forces. They have since returned from neighbouring countries to stage attacks. M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma has previously said that his troops were acting defensively and accused the Congolese army of waging war against them.
There have been regional efforts in recent years to have the M23 demobilise, but its leaders have complained about the slow implementation of a peace accord.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First aid convoy in three months to enter Ethiopia's Tigray soon: UNThe arrival of aid in Tigray could help shore up the shaky ceasefire between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.
Read more »
Timeline: Ethiopia's war in TigrayOn January 7, 56 people are killed in a drone strike on a displaced persons' camp in Dedebit in northwestern Tigray, according to the rebels.
Read more »
US to face England and Iran, Spain meet Germany in World Cup group stageThe US will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E.
Read more »
US to face England and Iran, Spain meet Germany in World Cup group stageThe US will face England and Iran in Group B at the World Cup finals while Spain will take on Germany in a clash of former winners in Group E.
Read more »
Government has declared war on taxpayers in South Africa: CosatuThe Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has slammed proposed wage increases for senior government officials in South Africa, calling it a ‘class war’ against the country’s taxpayers and the poor.
Read more »