AFC-M23 group leader Corneille Nangaa accused Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi of making a 'declaration of war' during a press conference in Goma on Thursday, following remarks about retaking territories held by the movement.

He argued that the comments amounted to an end to the Doha peace process.

Nangaa also accused the government of 'ethnic cleansing' amid ongoing hostilities in South Kivu.

Fighting has continued across parts of eastern DRC despite diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23, an allegation Kigali denies.