Rwanda-backed rebels have strengthened their control over Bukavu, the second major city in eastern Congo, following their capture of the city on Sunday. The M23 rebels took over Bukavu after Congolese forces abandoned the city, which is located 63 miles south of Goma, another city captured by the rebels in late January.
The M23 rebels, supported by approximately 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, are among more than 100 armed groups competing for control of eastern Congo's valuable mineral resources. The ongoing conflict in the region has led to the displacement of over 6 million people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
