As part of an internationally brokered peace deal the group has been withdrawing from areas it had captured.

President Félix Tshisekedi said according to the agreement the M23 rebels are to demobilise before returning to civilian life.

The group - which is widely reported to be backed by Rwanda - had previously said it was expecting negotiations with the Kinshasa government.

Correspondents say with the president ruling that out, the peace process could stumble.

Over the last 18 months around three quarters of a million people have been displaced by the fighting.