The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bintou Keita, has held talks with Rwanda-backed rebels about protecting civilians in areas under their control in eastern Congo.
The rebels expressed their desire for a peaceful solution to the crisis that escalated in January with their capture of the major city of Goma.
Keita said she brought “a spirit of listening and exchange” to the discussions, which were part of ongoing joint efforts to benefit the population.
The meeting comes as the conflict has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians, with thousands killed and many more affected by the disruption of livelihoods and essential services.
Almost 250 South African soldiers who were deployed to the DRC as part of a regional force to assist the Congolese army have begun withdrawing from the eastern warzone after 20 of their soldiers were killed during an M23 advance.
