World Bulletin / News Desk 

Peace talks have started between rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Congolese government officials.

Sunday's negotiations, in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, got off to a tense start with M23 rebel representative Francois Ruchongoza blaming the country's conflict on poor governance, reported VOA News. 

Congo Foreign Affairs Minister Raymond Tshibanda, who is representing the government, protested the remarks.

M23 withdrew from the Congolese city of Goma last week, but has threatened to retake the city if the government fails to begin negotiations.