A Rwandan government minister and M23 rebel group spokesperson were sanctioned Thursday by US for alleged involvement in recent conflict in DRC

The U.N. Security Council has urged Rwanda to halt its backing of the M23 rebels in eastern Congo, insisting on troop withdrawal and renewed diplomacy. Allegations of mineral exploitation by rebels and Congo's use of FDLR fighters have complicated efforts for regional stability.

Rwanda-backed rebels have captured two major cities in Congo’s mineral-rich east after a major escalation in their yearslong fighting against Congolese forces.

M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have captured the eastern city of Bukavu with the backing of Rwandan forces, the second major city in the mineral-rich Kivu region to fall in three weeks.

Congolese troops are under pressure on multiple fronts. The town of Minembwe in the mountains of South Kivu and its airfield were captured on Friday by a Tutsi militia allegedly a

Reports indicate that members of the police force in Congo have switched sides, joining the M23 rebel group that invaded parts of the country weeks ago. ・Police officers in Congo have joined the M23 rebel group.