THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO’S security forces and rebel groups have agreed on a 72-hour ceasefire to de-escalate tensions in the country’s eastern region near the border with Rwanda, the United States announced just days before DR Congo’s presidential election.

The agreement was backed by both DR Congo and Rwanda, a White House spokeswoman said on Monday.

The agreement includes the withdrawal of forces occupying the locality of Mushaki and the RP1030 road.

The region has struggled with violent conflict for decades and armed groups fight either for control of mineral resources or to defend their communities. The most prominent is the M23 rebel group with links to Rwanda.

Neither Congo nor Rwanda has publicly commented on the ceasefire, which the US said would also help “advance the implementation of the confidence-building measures to protect civilians” as DR Congo prepares for the December 20 presidential election.

M23 rose to prominence 10 years ago when its fighters seized Goma, eastern Congo’s largest city, on the border with Rwanda.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has often blamed Rwanda for destabilising Congo by backing the rebels and United Nations experts have linked the rebels to Rwandan forces, though Rwanda denies it.

Mr Tshisekedi, facing several other candidates as he seeks re-election, had earlier said rebel-controlled territories might not take part in the vote for security reasons.

The top UN official in DR Congo warned on Monday that tensions between the neighbours have escalated, heightening the risk of military confrontation.

DR Congo’s government has also insisted on the withdrawal of UN and regional peacekeeping forces from the region, saying they're ineffective, and some have started to leave the country.