Rwandan-backed rebels are rapidly advancing towards the strategic city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, asserting their determination to continue their swift offensive until they capture the national capital.

The conflict escalated this week when fighters from the March 23 Movement, supported by Kigali, announced their control over the city of Goma in North Kivu province before moving south towards Bukavu.

The United Nations reported that thousands of Rwandan soldiers back March 23 Movement fighters in their rapid assault on the resource-rich region.