Rebels in Congo, known as M23, who U.N. experts say, are backed by neighbouring Rwanda, have reached the outskirts of the eastern city of Goma after pushing back government troops, despite U.N. peacekeepers returning fire from helicopter gunships. The rebels are led by mutinying soldiers who rose up eight months ago, accusing the Democratic Republic of Congo's government of failing to respect a 2009 peace agreement to integrate insurgents from a previous rebellion into the army.

However the heavily armed DFC are waiting and looking for any signs of violence from the rebels

While the fear of an imminent conflict between the two sides is scaring local residents who are fearful of Goma falling into rebel hands.

Written and Presented by Ann salter