Congolese MPs push for talks with M23 rebels

A section of members of parliament from the conflict-hit North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo want President Felix Tshisekedi to consider engaging the M23 rebel group.

In an open letter, the MPs said a peaceful settlement would de-escalate the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo that has displaced hundreds of thousands in the past year.

The legislators have demanded to be involved in peace initiatives seeking to resolve the security crisis in the region.

They want humanitarian corridors and roads blocked in areas affected by conflict be opened.

In recent weeks, the M23 has captured villages and towns as they attempt to advance towards the regional capital, Goma.

The group was scheduled to commence withdrawal from positions they occupied in recent offensives beginning Tuesday for a period of one month. It is not clear if the rebels have complied with the retreat plan.

The M23 has engaged government forces in heavy fighting for most of February.

A UN panel of experts says that M23 is supported by Rwanda, something which Kigali denies.