Leaders from eastern and southern Africa have called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in eastern Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels are threatening to overthrow the Congolese government.

The government has previously refused to negotiate. But with rebels seizing another major town, a deal is the only way to prevent more deaths.

Leaders across Africa have asked defense chiefs to come up with a roadmap to end the conflict in eastern Congo. Their crisis talks in Tanzania and Equatorial Guinea come as the long-running war escalates.

Democratic Republic of Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi will take part in a joint summit of Eastern and Southern African leaders starting on Friday to discuss the conflict in its east, where Rwandan-backed rebels are seizing more territory.