DW-World.de
Deutsche Welle

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo say they will withdraw from recently seized positions to support a peace initiative. Tutsi rebels loyal to General Laurent Nkunda said they would pull back 40 kilometres from two fronts in North Kivu province to create a separation zone with government troops. The rebels said the move was aimed at supporting the United Nations mediation efforts of Nigeria's former President, Olusegun Obasanjo. Congolese troops have fallen back in disarray in the face of the rebels' recent advance, and have also clashed with some of their own allied militias. DRC President Joseph Kabila has sacked his military chief of staff, due to the army's inability to halt the rebels.