Officials and residents say Rwanda-backed rebels have gained ground in eastern Congo despite the unilateral ceasefire they declared earlier this week, taking control of a town 100 kilometers (60 miles) from the provincial capital of Bukavu.

The march by Rwanda-backed rebels across eastern Congo risks escalating into a regional conflict, with countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania already involved. Despite diplomatic efforts, tensions remain high.

The U.N.’s top human rights body is holding an urgent session on spiralling violence in eastern Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels recently captured a major city