In the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the M23 rebel group has declared that it will not disarm or demobilize as long as there is no direct political conversation with the Kinshasa administration.

Following the declaration that there will be no political dialogue with the rebels by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, a rebel spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, made the assertion on Twitter.

According to Mr. Tshisekedi, the M23 rebels are anticipated to demobilize before resuming their civilian lives in accordance with a deal brokered by regional authorities.

The gang has started leaving places it had taken over in accordance with the peace agreement that was mediated.

About a quarter of a million people have been displaced by the violence over the past 18 months.