This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-24815241

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
DR Congo claims defeat of M23 rebels DR Congo claims defeat of M23 rebels
(35 minutes later)
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed victory over M23 rebels in the east of the country.The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed victory over M23 rebels in the east of the country.
A government spokesman said the last remaining rebels had either fled across the border or surrendered and their weapons had been destroyed overnight.A government spokesman said the last remaining rebels had either fled across the border or surrendered and their weapons had been destroyed overnight.
The M23 have not publicly commented on the claim. Kinshasa earlier rejected rebel calls for a truce.The M23 have not publicly commented on the claim. Kinshasa earlier rejected rebel calls for a truce.
At least 800,000 people have fled their homes since the conflict began in 2012.At least 800,000 people have fled their homes since the conflict began in 2012.
Last week, the UN special envoy to DR Congo, Martin Kobler, said the group was all but finished as a military threat in DR Congo.Last week, the UN special envoy to DR Congo, Martin Kobler, said the group was all but finished as a military threat in DR Congo.
If the M23's defeat is confirmed, it would send an intimidating message to at least 10 other rebel groups operating in the area. raising hopes of an end to two decades of conflict, BBC Africa security correspondent Moses Rono says.
Key base seizedKey base seized
On Tuesday, government spokesman Lambert Mende told the BBC that Congolese special forces had defeated the rebels. On Tuesday, government spokesman Lambert Mende told the BBC that Congolese special forces had defeated the rebels, after a week of heavy fighting.
He said that UN tanks and helicopters had been supporting the Congolese army since Monday. "We can say that it's finished. But you never know. Those who escaped can come with hit-and-run operations so we have to end everything politically so that we are sure our people can sleep quietly without any threat."
Mr Mende added that rebel military leader Sultani Makenga was among those who crossed the border either to Rwanda or Uganda. Mr Mende added that rebel military leader Sultani Makenga was among those who crossed the border either to Rwanda or Uganda. UN sources have not been able to confirm his statement.
He said that UN tanks and helicopters had been supporting the Congolese army since Monday. A 3,000-strong African brigade to disarm and neutralise rebel groups was approved by the UN earlier this year - in addition to the UN 18,000-member peacekeeping force.
Government forces had earlier captured Bunagana, the main base of the M23 on the DR Congo-Uganda border.Government forces had earlier captured Bunagana, the main base of the M23 on the DR Congo-Uganda border.
The army has recently had a string of victories, driving the rebels from all towns they once controlled during a 20-month rebellion.The army has recently had a string of victories, driving the rebels from all towns they once controlled during a 20-month rebellion.
Peace talks in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, broke down last month following two months of negotiations.Peace talks in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, broke down last month following two months of negotiations.
On Sunday, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa called for a ceasefire to "allow the continuation of the political process".On Sunday, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa called for a ceasefire to "allow the continuation of the political process".
He urged rebel commanders to "ensure the strict observance of this order".He urged rebel commanders to "ensure the strict observance of this order".
But Kinshasa rejected the call.But Kinshasa rejected the call.
Separately, African leaders holding talks on the crisis told the M23 that they must publicly declare an end to their insurgency.Separately, African leaders holding talks on the crisis told the M23 that they must publicly declare an end to their insurgency.
A statement released after the summit in South Africa said if they did so a peace agreement could be signed in five days' time.A statement released after the summit in South Africa said if they did so a peace agreement could be signed in five days' time.