By Raymond Baguma

KAMPALA - The Congolese Government and the M23 rebels have resumed the dialogue to resolve the conflict in eastern Congo at Speke Resort Munyonyo.

The talks, that are being facilitated by defence minister Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, resumed on Monday in Kampala.

They aim at finding a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in the provinces of South and North Kivu.

The first round of the dialogue between the Congolese government and M23 rebels started on December 7, but broke off on December 18 for the Christmas holidays.

The two sides had made progress in finalising the rules of procedure as well as setting an agenda for the substantive talks.

However, the M23 rebels want a formal ceasefire agreement signed with the government of President Joseph Kabila before the talks continue.

The rebels accuse the Congolese government of bolstering its troops in the volatile province of Kivu.

The talks began after regional Heads of State and Government of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region met in Kampala on November 24 to seek solutions to the security situation in eastern Congo.