Sporadic gunfire and explosions have been reported as M23 rebels advance towards a key city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in an offensive that has forced thousands to flee across the border into Burundi.
Residents and military sources said soldiers were fleeing the assault on Uvira, the last government-held city in the mineral-rich region.
US President Donald Trump brokered a peace deal last week between DR Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's Paul Kagame to end the long-running conflict.
Shops and schools have closed, with terrified residents staying indoors amid fears that rebels had taken control of some government buildings.
However, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi dismissed reports that the rebels were in the city as 'completely unfounded rumours'.
Local media reported that rebels were patrolling central Uvira under cover of darkness, and the city remained deserted early on Wednesday.
A local rights official warned of a 'risk of a massacre' if soldiers mount strong resistance, with desperate residents reporting explosions and stating: 'We are all under the beds in Uvira.'
The M23 rebels have been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, amidst international calls for an immediate halt to the violence, citing the destabilizing potential for the entire region.
The conflict has displaced over 200,000 people, with the United Nations reporting at least 74 civilian deaths since fighting escalated.
As negotiations for peace extend, the situation underscores the long-standing turmoil in Eastern DR Congo, perpetuated by competing armed groups.
