M23 rebels expand control in east Congo as Rwandan leader urges ceasefire

M23 rebels patrol the streets of Goma (Brian Inganga/AP)

Rebels backed by Rwanda captured more towns in eastern Congo on Wednesday, as fighters moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region.

The rebels were advancing toward the centre of South Kivu province after capturing several of its towns, including Kalungu, Kanyezire and Mukwinja, according to a local civil society leader and an aid worker in the area who spoke on condition of anonymity.