Rwandan-backed M23 rebels fighting in eastern Congo seized two towns on their march towards a provincial capital, residents and the rebels said on Friday, as the president seeks international support to end the crisis.

Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo - Reports have emerged of the Congolese military (FARDC) shooting at civilians attempting to flee the violence. Eyewitnesses claim that government forces are forcing local residents to take up arms and join the fight against the advancing M23 rebels.