The United Nations, UN, has said hundreds of people are wounded, bodies are lying in the streets of Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and an upsurge in rape and gender-based violence has been reported
The UN added that civilians are fleeing "multiple active conflict zones"
This all comes after rebels from the M23 began fighting for control of Goma, following a lightning advance against the army
At least 17 foreign peacekeepers have now been killed in clashes with the rebels
Crowds have been protesting against the rebel assault in the capital, with foreign embassies attacked
Fighting between the M23 and DR Congo's army has intensified since the start of the year, with the rebels seizing control of more territory than ever
Protesters in Kinshasa are outraged by the rebel assault on Goma
The embassies of Rwanda, Uganda, France and Belgium have been targeted by protesters in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, in a show of outrage at the ongoing rebel assault on Goma.
Some of the buildings have been looted.
According to the French foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, part of the country's embassy was set on fire.
Police have fired tear gas to disperse the demonstrators, who have burnt tyres and are chanting songs against the M23 rebels.
Earlier on Tuesday, a group of civil society activists called on people to stay at home and observe a ghost town as a sign of solidarity with government forces fighting to protect Goma.
