Rwandan-backed M23 rebels who in late January captured Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo, have since been advancing around one of Africa's great lakes, Lake Kivu, towards the

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels appeared on Friday to be closing in on eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, Bukavu, as they seized control of the nearby airport of Kavumu, prompting Congolese troops to withdraw in some areas.

The takeover of Bukavu would constitute an unparalleled extension of territory under the M23’s control, as well as a further blow to Kinshasa’s authority in eastern Congo following the collapse of Goma,

On Saturday there were reports of sporadic gunfire and widespread looting in the city, including at a World Food Programme depot, with residents sheltering in their homes. It follows conflicting reports about whether the Rwanda-backed rebels had entered the key city of Bukavu,

A rebel group has said it has advanced into Bukavu, the second largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with residents reporting looting and fighters in the streets.

The Rwandan-backed rebels' entry into Bukavu follows their capture of Goma, defying international calls for a ceasefire.