Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured the mining town of Nyabibwe in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province, violating a ceasefire they declared earlier this week, according to NBC News. The rebels now advance toward Bukavu, raising fears of further conflict after seizing the city of Goma last week.

Rwandan-backed rebels are gaining ground in eastern Congo despite the unilateral ceasefire they declared earlier this week.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized control of the town of Nyabibwe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province, eight sources said on Wednesday - an apparent violation of a unilateral ceasefire they declared this week.

After capturing Goma, the main city in North Kivu province, last week, the M23 and Rwandan troops launched a new offensive on Wednesday in a neighbouring province.

The group has made dramatic advances in Congo’s North Kivu province since re-emerging as a force in late 2021. It has repeatedly denied receiving support from Rwanda. And the government in Kigali equivocates about its support for the rebels.

The Rwanda-backed rebels who captured a major city in eastern Congo have sought to reassure its residents about their safety