Several days after the M23 rebels took control of Uvira in eastern Congo, calm has returned to the city's streets.

However, public places and markets remain emptier than usual as fear lingers, and thousands have fled to neighboring Burundi and beyond.

The capture of Uvira marks a major blow to the Congolese government and follows a series of rebel advances in the mineral-rich region of South Kivu.

Washington has criticized Rwanda for fueling instability despite a recently brokered peace deal.

Under US pressure, M23 has assured it will withdraw.