Rebels known as M23 have allegedly entered the city of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo today after clashes with U.N.-backed Congolese troops defending the city. Although this has not been confirmed. The rebels largely made up of ethnic Tutsis and widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, have their eyes of the region's rich mineral deposits, and have accused the U.N.-backed Congolese forces of shelling its territory during a battle near the border yesterday, but said it had no plans to respond militarily to what it called Kinshasa's "provocation."

General Ambamba of the Congolese army was at pains to confirm government troops were in control.

Tens of thousands of people have fled recent fighting, which has led to fears of a resumption of the DR Congo war which was saw five million people killed and dragged in neighbouring states - including Rwanda, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Angola.

Written and presented by Ann Salter