Media reports say fresh clashes took place in the Rutshuru area of North Kivu Province, forcing residents to flee their homes.

The latest round of fighting erupted a day after President Félix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, agreed on an immediate ceasefire to resolve the conflict in the volatile region.

M23 spokesman Willy Ngoma is quoted by the Reuters news agency describing the ceasefire agreement "an illusion".

"Only the M23 can sign the ceasefire with the government," he is quoted as saying.

DR Congo accuses Rwanda of backing the M23, which both Kigali and the rebels have consistently denied.