Congo has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels in its mineral-rich eastern region across the border with Rwanda.

Previous ceasefires between Kinshasa and Kigali have often failed but Washington hopes this one will stick and bring economic opportunities.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda have signed a provisional agreement aimed at stopping the conflict in eastern DRC, according to a joint statement from the two countries and the United States Department of State.