The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have agreed to halt fighting in the east of the country until peace talks mediated by Qatar reach their "conclusion". It is the latest truce since the rebels stepped up an offensive in eastern DR Congo where authorities say 7,000 people have been killed since January.

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed to pause fighting in the east of the country while they work towards a permanent truce, says a joint statement issued after talks in Qatar.