Residents say Rwanda-backed rebels appear to be heading toward a third major city in eastern Congo. International pressure rose Tuesday over the M23’s expansion in the mineral-rich region that’s critical for global technology.

Gunfire disrupted a rally by M23 leader Corneille Nangaa in Bukavu, escalating fears of regional conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbors. M23 claims territorial control and is attempting to establish order,

The army of the Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of dressing up prisoners in military uniforms in an effort to pass them off as newly-captured rebels linked to the Rwandan genocide.

Rwanda-backed rebels have tightened their grip on Bukavu a day after seizing the second major city in eastern Congo.

The DRC government has accused Rwanda of orchestrating the offensive, citing M23’s military precision and advanced weaponry as clear evidence of foreign support. Rwandan President Paul Kagame denies involvement,

Rwanda-backed M23 insurgents shot dead three boys who had picked up guns left by Congolese soldiers fleeing the rebel advance in eastern Congo, the U.N. said on Tuesday, adding the incident to a list of grave human rights violations reported during the conflict.

The UN human rights chief accused Rwanda-backed rebels who seized a second major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of killing children and attacking hospitals and warehouses storing humanitarian aid.

The DR Congo insists on a military solution in the fight against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Analysts say the fall of Bukavu could complicate matters.

On February 16th soldiers from M 23 marched single-file through the streets of Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city. The beleaguered remains of the Congolese army had retreated without a fight. Rebel fighters toting grenade-launchers and machine-guns took triumphant selfies in the city’s main square.