“We call on all parties to actualise the ceasefire and specifically on the M23 to halt further advancement and the armed forces of DRC to cease all retaliatory measures,” said Kenyan President William Ruto, who chairs the eight nation East African Community.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame and his Congolese counterpart Felix Tshisekedi joined a summit in Tanzania on Saturday where regional leaders called for an "immediate ceasefire" in the Democratic Republ

The rebels continued advances in eastern Congo despite their own announcement of a cease-fire. The U.N. secretary-general called for them to lay down their guns and agree to mediation.

Leaders of the regional blocs met for a joint summit to find a solution to the conflict and the rapid advance of Rwanda-backed rebels.