The U.N. says more than 110,000 displaced people have in recent days left settlement camps in eastern Congo’s cities controlled by Rwanda-backed rebels after the rebels were accused of forced camp closures.

The rebels, who captured the region's largest city of Goma, issued a 72-hour ultimatum for displaced people to return to their villages. View on euronews

The takeover of Bukavu would constitute an unparalleled extension of territory under the M23’s control, as well as a further blow to Kinshasa’s authority in eastern Congo following the collapse of Goma,

Analysts say the deadly march by Rwanda-backed rebels across eastern Congo could widen into a regional conflict drawing in even more countries, and two neighboring nations with the most involvement in the mineral-rich area might be the key to stopping the violence.

Bukavu and the strategic town of Kavumu, 35 km to the north, where the airport is located, are still under the control of the Congolese army

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo threatened on Tuesday to advance on the provincial capital of Bukavu, citing a "dangerously deteriorating" situation, amid renewed skirmishes on the front line.