(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.

Rwanda-backed rebels battling Congo’s army have pushed into a strategic, mineral-rich town in the east, ignoring calls for a ceasefire this week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents as the M23 rebel group expands its footprint in the conflict-torn African country.

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.