Rwanda-backed M23 rebels staging an offensive in east Congo said on Saturday they would withdraw forces from the seized town of Walikale in support of peace efforts, having previously said they were leaving troops there as they pushed on to the capital.

(Reuters) -Rwanda-backed M23 rebels staging an offensive in east Congo will reposition their forces from the town of Walikale, which they took control of this week, in support of peace efforts, a rebel alliance that includes M23 said on Saturday.

A de facto ceasefire between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the eastern town of Walikale collapsed on Monday, with the rebels retracting their pledge to withdraw. The rebels accused the army of failing to honour its commitments,