DR Congo and Rwanda call for ceasefire in conflict with M23 rebels

The meeting comes amid an M23 advance that has seen the rebels seize two cities in eastern DR Congo.

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It is the first time two leaders have met since Rwanda-backed M23 rebels stepped up an offensive in the region, where authorities say 7,000 people have been killed since January.

It is unclear whether the M23 would heed the ceasefire call, after the rebels refused to attend peace talks in Angola on Tuesday.

DR Congo accuses Rwanda of arming the M23 and sending troops to support the rebels in the conflict. Despite assertions from both the UN and US, Rwanda has denied supporting the M23.

Rwanda has said its forces are acting in self-defence against the DR Congo army and allied militias. DR Congo also accuses Rwanda of illegally exploiting its mineral deposits in the east of the country, which Rwanda also denies.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1mn21km5rlo

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