In DR Congo, the regional force deployed by East African nations to stop the M23 rebels' advance in the east of the country is coming under scrutiny. While the regional force maintains that the rebels are gradually withdrawing from the territories they conquered, dubious Congolese authorities are demanding a "truthful discussion" on the mandate of the East African Community's force.

The M23 rebel group has said in a statement that they are ready to withdraw from occupied areas in eastern Congo. However, this comes amid reports of renewed fighting and as the DRC accuses M23 of killing 272 civilians.

The M23 rebel group said Thursday that a ceasefire announced a day earlier "doesn't really concern us," while calling for "direct dialogue" with Democratic Republic of Congo's government.

After a ten-year lull, M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo have attacked Congolese soldiers. As a result, tens of thousands of people have fled to neighboring Uganda, fearing renewed violence.

Rebels from the M23 groups have attacked army positions near Democratic Republic of Congo's border with Uganda and Rwanda, a local official and a witness have said.