The much publicized peace deal expected to be signed by the government of Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group has been delayed till further notice.

According to reports reaching the news desk of CEOAFRICA.com from Uganda, where the pact was expected to be signed by the two warring groups, the delay was caused by the refusal of Congolese government’s representatives to the signing ceremony refused to enter the venue, despite the fact that M23 rebel representatives were there.

Ugandan government spokesman Ofwono Opondo says: “The DRC delegation did not enter the conference room, saying they wanted to read the final text which was given to them.  They have taken more than four and a half hours trying to go through the document, so we cannot know what their area of disappointment is.  If they are in agreement they will let us know when they are in agreement and when they are ready to sign. In the meantime, the ceremony has been suspended indefinitely.”

Last week, M23 gave up fighting in the eastern DRC, following a military defeat at the hands of the Congolese army and U.N. troops.  The group’s leader, Sultani Makenga, is being held in Uganda along with at least 1,500 of his fighters who crossed the border from the DRC last week.