Rwandan-backed rebel group M23 declares unilateral ceasefire in DRC

Militias say decision is for humanitarian reasons', as UN says at least 900 killed in last week's fighting with DRC forces

The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who seized the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo last week have declared a unilateral ceasefire starting on Tuesday.

The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of militias including M23, said it was declaring the ceasefire for humanitarian reasons". Flows of aid, food and other basic goods into the city were all but cut off by the M23 advance, and in recent days humanitarian organisations and the international community have stepped up calls for the creation of safe corridors to get vital items in.