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The eastern border city of Bukavu fell to the rebels, led by General Laurent Nkunda, after days of fighting.

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Some government soldiers fled while others deserted and joined the rebels.

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In the capital, Kinshasa, angry crowds rioted in protest at the UN's failure to prevent Bukavu's capture.

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Lightly armed UN peacekeepers in Bukavu did not intervene to prevent the rebel advance.

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Fierce clashes between the army and dissident fighters left many dead and injured.

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The toll includes civilians and one UN peacekeeper as well as the combatants.

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Thousands have fled the fighting, which rekindled memories of the worst days of the Congolese civil war.

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The UN has evacuated some Rwandans back to their neighbouring country, which used to back the rebels during the civil war.