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.

The UN's human rights chief accuses Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of killing children and attacking hospitals in eastern Congo. M23, having seized cities Bukavu and Goma, is accused of seeking control over Congo's mineral-rich region with Rwanda's support.