The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is resisting mounting international pressure to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group which has advanced rapidly in the eastern region of the country in recent months.

DR Congo's prime minister tells the BBC her government will not sit down with the militants.

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.