RWANDAN-backed M23 rebels gained ground in eastern Democratic Rebublic of Congo (DRC) today, despite the unilateral ceasefire they declared earlier this week.

The M23 took control of Nyabibwe, a mining city 60 miles from the provincial capital of Bukavu, civil society officials and residents told reporters.

The M23 announced the ceasefire on Monday on humanitarian grounds after pleas for the safe passage of aid and hundreds of thousands of displaced people.