Despite growing international pressure, the Democratic Republic of Congo is standing firm on its decision not to have direct talks with the M23 rebel group that has made major advances in the east of the country in recent months.

As Rwanda-backed rebels strolled through the streets of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, President Felix Tshisekedi's office claimed it was actually still controlled by his army and "valiant" allied forces.

Despite mounting international pressure, the DR Congo remains resolute in its refusal to engage in direct talks with the M23 rebel group, which has made significant territorial gains in eastern DRC in recent months.