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DR Congo: M23 rebels declare truce for Ban Ki-moon visit | |
(about 5 hours later) | |
M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a ceasefire to ease the way for UN chief Ban Ki-moon to visit the conflict hit area, a spokesman for the group says. | |
Mr Ban is due to visit the regional capital Goma, where one person was killed in a rocket attack on Wednesday. | |
He was deeply concerned by the renewed fighting, Mr Ban said. | |
Earlier, the World Bank unveiled a $1bn (£660m) aid package to help DR Congo and its neighbours. | Earlier, the World Bank unveiled a $1bn (£660m) aid package to help DR Congo and its neighbours. |
World Bank head Jim Yong Kim, who is also visiting DR Congo, said the money would be used for health, education, cross-border trade and hydroelectricity projects. | |
At least 20 people have been killed since Monday in heavy fighting between government and M23 forces. | |
'Crucial timing' | |
UN peacekeeping officer Col Premanku Ghosh said two rockets had exploded in Goma's Ndosho neighbourhood on Wednesday and that civilians were among the casualties. | UN peacekeeping officer Col Premanku Ghosh said two rockets had exploded in Goma's Ndosho neighbourhood on Wednesday and that civilians were among the casualties. |
"We've decided to announce this ceasefire to allow His Excellency Ban Ki-moon to visit Goma as he promised," M23 political spokesman Amani Kabasha told Reuters news agency. | |
Speaking earlier in the capital, Kinshasa, Mr Ban said the world community would stand with Dr Congo. | |
"We are in a very crucial and important timing. The Security Council recently strengthened the mandate and role of the United Nations peacekeeping mission (Munusco) with the introduction of an intervention brigade," he said. | |
"This is again an unprecedented one and I am sure that this will bring peace and security at this time." | |
An estimated 800,000 people have fled their homes since the M23 launched its rebellion last May. | |
Announcing the aid package, Jim Yong Kim said the new funding could be "a major contributor to a lasting peace". | |
The package is to support a peace deal signed in February between DR Congo and its neighbours, some of whom are accused of backing the rebels. | The package is to support a peace deal signed in February between DR Congo and its neighbours, some of whom are accused of backing the rebels. |
The largest tranche of the aid - $340m - will go towards an 80-megawatt hydroelectric project in Rusumo Falls, providing electricity to Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. | The largest tranche of the aid - $340m - will go towards an 80-megawatt hydroelectric project in Rusumo Falls, providing electricity to Burundi, Rwanda and Tanzania. |
Despite its vast mineral wealth, decades of conflict and mismanagement mean most Congolese remain stuck in poverty. | Despite its vast mineral wealth, decades of conflict and mismanagement mean most Congolese remain stuck in poverty. |
Mr Ban and Mr Kim are also due to visit Rwanda and Uganda. | Mr Ban and Mr Kim are also due to visit Rwanda and Uganda. |
Last year, a UN report accused the two countries of backing the M23, an allegation they denied. | Last year, a UN report accused the two countries of backing the M23, an allegation they denied. |