Nearly 3,000 people have been killed in the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the United Nations, after it was captured by rebels following days of fierce fighting with the Congolese army.

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.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels captured the mining town of Nyabibwe in eastern Congo’s South Kivu province, violating a ceasefire they declared earlier this week, according to NBC News. The rebels now advance toward Bukavu, raising fears of further conflict after seizing the city of Goma last week.

The Rwanda-backed rebels who seized eastern Congo's key city of Goma announced Monday a unilateral ceasefire in the region for humanitarian reasons, following calls for a safe corridor for aid and hundreds of thousands of displaced people.

The alliance of rebel groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have declared a humanitarian ceasefire starting on Tuesday. In a statement, the group - which includes the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels - cited "humanitarian reasons" for the ceasefire, after it has been capturing territory in eastern parts of the country.

The Rwanda-backed rebels who captured a major city in eastern Congo have sought to reassure its residents about their safety

Rwanda-backed rebels who have captured eastern Congo’s largest city say they plan to take their rebellion to the capital and seek to gain political power.

The group has made dramatic advances in Congo’s North Kivu province since re-emerging as a force in late 2021. It has repeatedly denied receiving support from Rwanda. And the government in Kigali equivocates about its support for the rebels.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized control of the town of Nyabibwe in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's South Kivu province, eight sources said on Wednesday - an apparent violation of a unilateral ceasefire they declared this week.