An African Union delegation has met leaders of the AFC/M23 rebel movement in eastern Congo as part of a renewed push for peace in the conflict-hit region.

The delegation included former Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta, former Ethiopian president Sahle-Work Zewde and former Botswana president Mokgweetsi Masisi. They met the rebels on October 5, the AU said in a statement on October 7.

Fighting has continued in Masisi territory and South Kivu despite earlier ceasefire efforts. The M23 group has seized large areas of eastern Congo in recent offensives.

The AU said the talks are part of a broader mediation effort to end the violence. Regional leaders have been pressing both Kinshasa and the rebels to return to negotiations.

Millions have been displaced by the fighting, which has drawn in neighbouring countries and raised fears of a wider regional war.

Diplomats say sustained dialogue is the only path to a lasting settlement, but previous truces have collapsed within weeks.