Rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 have killed a military governor as they advanced through eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reports say.
Fighting between the M23 and DR Congo’s army has intensified since the start of the year, with the rebels seizing control of more territory than ever.
North Kivu Governor Peter Cirimwami was fatally injured by M23 fighters when visiting the frontline on Thursday, according to United Nations documents cited by news agencies Reuters and AFP.
More than 400,000 people have fled their homes since the start of this year as the M23 advances on the city of Goma, the UN reports.
As they moved towards Goma, the M23 captured the towns of Masisi and Minova.
More than 200 civilians have been killed in areas captured by the M23, local leaders said on Thursday.
And according to the United Nations, two children died after bombs fell on a camp for displaced people.
As a result of this unrest, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi cut short his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, flying back on Thursday to hold urgent security meetings with top officials.
