Leaders from eastern and southern Africa on Saturday called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Congo, where rebels are threatening to overthrow the Congolese government, but also urged Congo's president to directly negotiate with them.

The government has previously refused to negotiate. But with rebels seizing another major town, a deal is the only way to prevent more deaths.

DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA | Xinhua | African leaders on Saturday called for an “immediate ceasefire” in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and reaffirmed their full support for seeking a lasting solution to the ongoing conflict.