The leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo M23 rebel group has dismised a move of disarming by his side.

In a rare video appearance, the leader of the Democratic Republic of Congo M23 rebel group, Sultani Makenga, has dismissed the idea of his side disarming and insisted that if the government wants peace “there will be peace” and “war if they want war”.

In May, as part of the peace process in eastern DR Congo, East African leaders said the M23 and other rebel groups should disarm and be housed in special military camps.

Makenga, who is under UN sanctions for alleged war crimes, said in the video that the “disarmament does not concern them in any way.

However, in the message shared by the M23’s spokesperson, he said the group has met the heads of state’s request to cease fire and withdraw.

He added that they were waiting for the government to agree to negotiate with them.