About 200,000 people have fled eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo in recent days as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advanced on the strategic city of Uvira, the United Nations reported.

The United Nations has accused the M23 rebel group of killing 169 civilians, mostly farmers, in a deadly assault earlier this month in the Rutshuru territory of North Kivu province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). If confirmed, it would be one of the deadliest attacks since the Rwanda-backed militia resurfaced in the region.

An agreement for an instant and unconditional ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been reached, following talks involving DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Thani, according to the Congolese presidential administration.

Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group brokered by Angola aimed at ending the conflict in eastern Congo will begin on March 18 in Angola’s capital Luanda, the Angolan president’s office has announced.

Despite mounting international pressure, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains resolute in its decision not to engage directly with the M23 rebel group, which has gained significant ground in the eastern region in recent months.

The Democratic Republic of Congo called for the withdrawal of M23 rebels as well as Rwandan forces from the eastern city of Goma.

The alliance of rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting on Tuesday.

The president of the Democratic Republic of the Congo announced a strong response from the Congolese army to the armed attacks by M23 rebels, accusing Rwanda of supporting the rebels and the international and African communities of remaining silent over tensions on the border.