Rwandan-backed M23 rebels say they are now in control of the key eastern Congolese city of Goma. Their fighters continue to claim more territory in one of the world's most mineral-rich territories.

Critical minerals factor into the fight.

Rwanda-backed rebels claimed on Monday they captured eastern Congo’s strategic city of Goma, the hub of a region containing trillions of dollars in mineral wealth that remains largely untapped.

Rwanda-backed rebels aiming to gain power have already captured Goma, a key city in eastern DRC. They have vowed to advance to the capital, more than 1,500km away - but have met resistance from the Congolese army and its allies.

The worsening conflict in eastern Congo has led to a surge in human rights violations including summary executions, the bombing of displacement camps, reports of gang rape and other sexual violence, the U.

The U.N. voices concern over alleged atrocities as Rwandan-backed rebels reportedly advance after seizing the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for a urgent cease-fire in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo saying Washington was "deeply troubled" by a recent escalation in the fighting.

South Africa often uses its diplomatic heft to position itself as defender of the "global south" on the world stage, but the deaths of 13 of its soldiers in eastern Congo fighting have exposed an inability to project hard power in its own backyard.

The only way to stop the violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo is through dialogue, Russia said Friday, warning against escalation that could lead to an inter-state conflict. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova emphasized the need for immediate peace talks among all parties involved.

Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Residents and M23 supporters shout slogans as they celebrate the takeover of the city by M23 fighters at the governor's office compound in Goma, after the M23 (March 23 Movement) rebel group launched a large-scale offensive in eastern DRC.

The humanitarian situation in the area continues to worsen and South Africa took a shot at Rwanda for its perceived complicity in the death of South African peacekeepers in the area.