Violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has taken a devastating turn, with hundreds of people killed as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels seized another city just over a week after the US brokered a peace deal. The United States and the United Nations have issued warnings that the situation could escalate into a regional conflict.

The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, captured the city of Bunagana on December 6, just days after the US, along with the African Union and the European Union, facilitated a peace agreement aimed at ending the conflict. The deal was signed on November 23, but it appears to have had little impact on the ground. The US and the UN have expressed concern that the violence could spread beyond the DRC's borders, drawing in neighboring countries.

The immediate impact of the M23 rebels' seizure of Bunagana has been felt by local residents, who have been forced to flee their homes. The city's capture has also raised concerns about the safety of regional stability. In response to the situation, the US has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council to discuss the crisis.

The conflict in the DRC has its roots in a long-standing dispute over resources and territory. The M23 rebels, who were formed in 2012, have been fighting for greater autonomy and control over the region's rich mineral resources. Rwanda's support for the rebels has been a major point of contention, with many accusing the country of fueling the conflict.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is bracing for the worst. The US, the UN, and other regional actors are working to find a solution to the crisis, but the road ahead will be difficult. The DRC's fragile stability and the potential for regional conflict make this a situation that demands close attention and swift action.