DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Congo and Rwanda-backed rebels have signed a declaration of principles for a permanent ceasefire in eastern Congo, where ethnic tensions and quest for rich minerals have resulted in one of Africa’s longest conflicts with thousands killed this year.

The U.S. has labeled a recent attack on a Palestinian church in the West Bank as an 'act of terror'. Congo and M23 rebels are expected to finalize a peace deal soon. Meanwhile, Ukraine is pushing for talks with Russia as tensions escalate across various global hotspots.

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel militia have signed a new ceasefire agreement, bringing a halt to the massive violence that has ravaged the DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region for months.

The Congolese government continues its military offensives despite ongoing peace efforts in Doha, Qatar, the AFC/M23 rebellion informed the national and international community, on July 17, reiterating its “determination to protect civilian populations and eliminate any threat at its source.

M23 rebels take ‘instructions’ from Kigali, as Kampala ‘doubles’ army presence in DRC, says leaked report by UN experts.

There are a number of closures that will affect Sussex traffic this weekend, according to National Highways.

The AFC/M23 rebel movement has accused Congolese government forces of killing four of its compatriots in what it described as a demonstration of “warlike intentions,” despite ongoing peace efforts including the talks in Doha,