Rwanda-backed rebels who have captured eastern Congo’s largest city say they plan to take their rebellion to the capital and seek to gain political power.

In view of the restive situation in the country, Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi vowed a vigorous and coordinated response to push back the rebels while reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Rwanda, which diplomats say backs M23 fighters who seized Goma in Democratic Republic of Congo this week, called on Wednesday for a ceasefire across eastern Congo and for Congo to negotiate with the rebels while denying Rwandan troops were involved.