The M23 rebels, which the UN said were supported by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, are the most powerful of more than 100 armed groups vying for control of Congo's resource-rich east. Their advance on Bukavu, a city of approximately 1.3 million people, represents an unprecedented expansion of their territorial control.

Panic swept through eastern Congo’s second-largest city on Saturday as residents fled by the thousands, scrambling to escape the looming advance of Rwanda-backed rebels. Amid chaos and looting, Bukavu braced for what comes next.

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

Rwanda-backed rebels have occupied a second major city in the mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the government said, as M23 rebels confirmed they were in Bukavu to restore order after it was abandoned by Congolese forces.

Panic and looting sweep through eastern Congo’s second-largest city as residents flee by the thousands to escape the advance of Rwanda-backed rebels

Panic and looting are sweeping through eastern Congo’s second largest city as residents flee by the thousands to escape the looming advance of Rwanda-backed rebels

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), taking over the regional governor’s office as government forces withdrew.