Rwanda-backed rebels battling Congo’s army have pushed into a strategic, mineral-rich town in the east, ignoring calls for a ceasefire this week by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents as the M23 rebel group expands its footprint in the conflict-torn African country.

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have entered the centre of the eastern Congo town of Walikale, a local activist and an M23 source said on Thursday, expanding the insurgents' presence deep into the Congolese interior despite renewed calls for a ceasefire.