Hopes for a ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo are fading as the Rwanda-backed rebel group, M23, is vying to expand its control. NBC News’ Steve Patterson reports on the violence in the mineral-rich country.

Caught in the crossfire, civilians continue to suffer. Entire communities are destroyed, millions are displaced, and countless lives are lost. For the people of eastern DRC, this is not just a crisis – it is a never-ending nightmare.

The takeover of Bukavu would constitute an unparalleled extension of territory under the M23’s control, as well as a further blow to Kinshasa’s authority in eastern Congo following the collapse of Goma,