The M23 rebel group that is backed by Rwanda has emerged as a more potent force after being crushed during their first rebellion in 2012.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in Democratic Republic of Congo are seeking to advance south towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, in an attempt to expand their area of control in the country's east after capturing the city of Goma.

The Rwandan-backed armed group M23 moved south as it closed in on a key military airport in DR Congo on Friday, a day after pledging to take the capital Kinshasa and as international criticism mounted.

By Sonia Rolley (Reuters) -When M23 rebels swept into the Congolese city of Goma this week, world powers urged them to immediately withdraw. Instead, the Rwanda-backed insurgents are intent on showing they can restore order and govern.

WHAT IS HAPPENING IN GOMA? After entering Goma on Monday night, the rebels faced pockets of resistance, particularly around strategic areas including the airport. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC),

Violence has escalated in the Democratic Republic of Congo as furious protesters stormed the U.S. Embassy in Kinshasa, chanting anti-imperialist slogans and setting fires. Shocking visuals show large crowds attempting to breach the embassy's logistical center,

Congolese troops with support from Burundi's army appeared on Friday to be holding back a push south by Rwandan-backed rebels seeking to expand their grip on eastern Congo in a weeks-old advance that has raised fears of a broader regional conflict.

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority in the east, where Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized much of the city of Goma and are reportedly advancing south to seize more territory.