M23 DECLARE CEASEFIRE

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a ceasefire in their conflict with the army. There was no immediate reaction from the military, which made important advances this week against the M23 group.The rebels from the M23 group said they were declaring the ceasefire on Sunday in the hope that it would help advance peace talks with the government.Government troops, with the support of a UN intervention force, on Wednesday seized the key town of Bunagana, which had been the main M23 base near the eastern border with Uganda.In conflict regions in the DRC schools often serve as emergency accommodation for refugees, many of whom have left their traditional jungle homes. This can lead to problems with local residents.The army said earlier on Sunday that it was launching an offensive in the mountains near the town, where the rebels had fled.Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels, is also involved in the talks.