Rwandan warlord 'The Terminator' tells ICC he is not guilty

A Rwandan-born warlord known as "The Terminator" has said he is not guilty of charges including murder, rape, pillaging and using child soldiers in eastern Congo at his first appearance before the International Criminal Court since his surprise surrender last week.

Rwandan-born Bosco Ntaganda had been one of the court's longest-sought fugitives until he unexpectedly became the first suspect to voluntarily turn himself in by seeking refuge last week at the US embassy in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.

Ntaganda allegedly led rebels who terrorised eastern Congo in brutal tribal fighting from 2002-2003.

He entered the courtroom for Tuesday's largely procedural hearing dressed in an ill-fitting dark blue suit, blue shirt, and striped tie. He appeared ill at ease, leaning forward and looking down as the hearing began.

Ntaganda said "I plead not guilty" after a court official began reading the charges against him. Judge Ekatarina Trendafilova then cut him off, saying he did not have to enter a plea.