France, Feb. 21 -- As Rwandan-backed M23 fighters continue to make significant advances in eastern DRC, having captured the cities of Goma and Bukavu, the conflict is now triggering warnings from the UN Security Council and fuelling fears of a wider regional crisis.

After seizing control of the town of Kamanyola, about 45 kilometres from Bukavu in South Kivu province, M23 fighters are continuing their advancefurther south, towards Uvira, on the shores of Lake Tanganyika.

Sporadic gunfire,looting and panic have been reported in several surrounding areas all week, including Uvira.

The United Nations warned on Wednesday that the M23 "continues to advance towards other strategic areas" in the provinces of North and South Kivu.

South Kivu'...