A ceasefire declared by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has apparently collapsed, as the group seized control of the mining town of Nyabibwe in South Kivu province.
The town, a commercial hub, is strategically located between Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu.
According to local officials, civil society representatives, and rebels, the town fell to the rebels after clashes with Congolese armed forces.
The rebels’ advance has raised concerns about a potential push towards Bukavu, despite their earlier claims that they had no intention of capturing the city.
The capture of Nyabibwe comes after the rebels took control of Goma last week, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and fueling fears of a wider regional conflict.
The United Nations estimates that at least 2,800 people died in the fighting in Goma, with reports of widespread destruction and human rights abuses.
The conflict has also drawn in regional powers, with Rwanda accused of backing the M23 rebels and Congo accusing Rwanda of seeking to pillage valuable mineral deposits.
The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of a humanitarian crisis, with thousands of people displaced and in need of assistance.
