Talks between the DR Congo government and the M23 rebels resumed yesterday with the facilitator of the negotiations and Ugandan Defence minister, Crispus KiyongaDr Crispus Kiyonga, urging the warring parties to exercise maximum restraint.

Dr Kiyonga urged the M23 rebels, DR Congo government and the United Nations to observe a ceasefire during the 14 days of the negotiations. “I hope they understand that fighting must stop. It is unfortunate that there was renewed fighting. The UN should respect the dialogue,” he said.

UN intervention
The UN Intervention Brigade has been bombing the M23 positions, forcing them to withdraw. The M23 rebels had declared a unilateral ceasefire but fighting resumed after a combined force of Congolese forces and the UN intervention brigade shelled M23 positions.

The resumption of talks might see stopping of hostility that has left thousands displaced with many of them running to Uganda.M23 is represented by Rene Abandi while the Kinshasa delegation delegation is led by Raymond Tshibanda.

rkasasira@ug.nationmedia.com