Rwanda-backed M23 rebels on Monday pulled out of peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo's government less than 24 hours before the warring parties in eastern Congo's worst conflict in decades were due to convene in Angola.

The Rwanda-backed rebels who captured key areas of Congo’s mineral-rich east say they have withdrawn from planned peace talks with the country’s government in Angola.

The M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have withdrawn from peace talks in response to EU sanctions imposed on their leader and Rwandan army officials. The talks were aimed at resolving the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.