Democratic Republic of Congo's government and Rwandan-backed M23 rebels traded blame on Friday for explosions at a rally in the rebel-held eastern city of Bukavu that killed 13 people and wounded scores.

The rebels have been advancing through eastern DR Congo since January, seizing Bukavu and Goma, the biggest city in the region. The fighting has forced about 500,000 people from their homes, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis, according to the UN.

Explosions at a rally in Bukavu, eastern Congo, have intensified tensions following rocket and grenade attacks attributed to Rwandan troops and M23 rebels. The incident has resulted in 13 deaths and numerous injuries.