51�Թ�

There is an ethnic dimension, with many rebel groups operating here - including an ethnic Hutu militia linked to the Rwandan genocide of 1994, which Kigali believes has Congolese backing.

"We must stop distorting the facts to disguise a propaganda agenda," Kabila said, adding "Congolese people deserve the truth, not a diplomatic show".

"Another diplomatic success for President Félix Tshisekedi - certainly the most important in over 30 years," said the Congolese president's office ahead of Friday's signing.

In a comment directed at Rwanda, Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said that "one cannot continually and voluntarily violate the principles that underpin our regional institutions and claim to want to preside over them".

The Congolese government has banned the media from reporting on the activities of former President Joseph Kabila and interviewing members of his party.