In the Democratic Republic of Congo, M23 rebels have accepted a conditional ceasefire with Congolese troops. Heavy fighting in eastern DRC has displaced tens of thousands of people in recent weeks. The ceasefire agreement was brokered by East African leaders last week, but M23 was not present as the Congolese government refuses direct talks with the rebels. The DRC is accusing Rwanda of backing M23 fighters. Local groups have also rejected the talks and are demanding foreign forces leave the country.

John Banyene: “For us, the people, these agreements and summits do not interest us. What interests us is to have peace and security that is a right for us. We must not remain in this misery for decades. What we are asking for is the immediate withdrawal of the Rwandan army and the Ugandan army from Congolese soil.”