Top United Nations officials in Africa have warned an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council that the offensive of Rwanda-backed rebels in mineral-rich eastern Congo is threatening peace in the wider region.

The United States has sanctioned a Rwandan government minister for his alleged role in the conflict in neighboring Congo, where Rwanda-backed rebels are battling the Congolese army and have captured more territory,

As Rwanda-backed rebels strolled through the streets of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, President Felix Tshisekedi's office claimed it was actually still controlled by his army and "valiant" allied forces.