M23 rebels have reportedly "occupied" Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, positioning themselves at the governor's office and vowing to deviate from the "old regime."

Over 7,000 have died this year as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seize vast territories in eastern Congo, according to Congo's prime minister. The conflict involves hundreds of armed groups, threatening regional stability and highlighting Congo's mineral wealth.

Residents say Rwanda-backed rebels appear to be heading toward a third major city in eastern Congo. International pressure rose Tuesday over the M23’s expansion in the mineral-rich region that’s critical for global technology.

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.

M23 fighters on Friday advanced further on several fronts in DR Congo's volatile east as international pressure mounted on Rwanda to stop backing the armed group and halt the fighting.