KAMPALA, Uganda, Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Sticking points on a stalled peace deal between the rebel March 23 Movement and the Congolese government need a quick resolution, peace envoys said.
Uganda is hosting regional and international delegates tasked with helping secure a peace deal in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. A joint statement from United Nations, U.S., African Union and European Union negotiators said a deal was delayed Monday.
"The envoys note that the parties have expressed no differences on substantive points within the draft document," they said from Kampala. "However, agreement on the format has not yet been reached."
M23 consists of former rebel fighters integrated into the Congolese military who mutinied last year, complaining the DRC government reneged on a 2009 peace agreement.
M23 is accused of committing war crimes during their rebellion, waged from eastern DRC. The envoys said any agreement needs to ensure accountability for those suspected of committing grave crimes during the conflict.
A so-called intervention brigade of U.N. peacekeepers, mandated to use force, was credited with helping to push the situation toward a resolution.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said last week it treated DRC soldiers caught up in the simmering conflict.
