Rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo would withdraw from the key city of Goma by the end of the week, their military chief said yesterday.
General Sultani Makenga said: "Tomorrow or the day after . in three days at the latest we will leave Goma. We were asked to withdraw 20km and we will do it, there is no problem."
Makenga, a leader of the M23 rebels, and regional military commanders, struck the deal late on Monday in Uganda.
The rebels made several demands, including freedom of movement for opposition standard-bearer Etienne Tshisekedi, 79, a former prime minister who has been under unofficial house arrest since declaring victory in flawed elections last year.
The vote was officially won by President Joseph Kabila, who succeeded his assassinated father in 2001.
The rebels, whose capture of Goma a week ago sparked fears of a broader conflict, are also demanding direct talks with Kabila and the dissolution of the electoral commission.
M23 political leader Jean-Marie Runiga had said the rebels would withdraw only if the government met their demands. But Ugandan army chief Aronda Nyakairima said Makenga had attached "no conditions" to the pullout.
The rebels had, however, raised concerns about the security of civilians in the areas they would leave, he said.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
