M23 rebels want Congo to agree to cease-fire during peace talks, but will talk without one
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
A top official with a rebel group in Congo says the group is demanding a cease-fire with the Congolese army, but says it will continue with peace talks without one.
Francois Rucogoza, the executive secretary of the rebel group M23, said Tuesday at a news conference in Uganda that the government of Congo won't sign a cease-fire.
M23 says it is currently honoring a unilateral cease-fire as evidenced by the rebels' withdrawal from the city of Goma in November. M23 is believed to be backed by Rwanda but Rwanda denies the allegation.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}
M23 is made up of hundreds of soldiers who deserted the Congolese army in April after accusing the Congolese government of failing to honor the terms of a 2009 peace deal that integrated them into the national army.