‘People need a break’: DRC conflict reignites dark memories of Congo wars

Following M23's takeover of the city of Goma, members of the Congolese Red Cross and volunteers buried victims of the fighting. Thousands have been killed since January [EPA]

In parts of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), communities are gearing up for war or fleeing to safety amid the advance of M23 rebels, who captured the key eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu in recent weeks, leaving devastation in their wake.

The rebel group, which the United Nations says is backed by neighbouring Rwanda, has also closed in on Walikale, a major mining hub, while Kinshasa’s offer of a $5m reward for the capture of M23 leaders has not slowed the group down.