Rebels advance in Eastern Congo

Rebels in eastern Congo push towards the government controlled town of Minova.

The M23 rebels, thought to be backed by Rwanda, already repelled a government counter attack on the outskirts of Goma. Now they are seeking more ground in a region marked by war.

Thousands in the area begin a long march to safety.

Regional and international leaders are scrambling to halt the violence. UN aid agencies say 140,000 people in the area are now displaced.

People are in fear for their lives.

(SOUNDBITE) (Swahili) SAKE RESIDENT, MANEGABE GARUKA, SAYING:

"Things are not very good here. We are not certain about anything. We decided to leave because we think our lives are in grave danger."

Congolese women on the streets of Kinshasa are seeking help.

They accuse rebels of raping pregnant women.

Rights groups say rape is being used as a weapon of war.