Advancing anti-government fighters in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo forced the temporary closure of the world's third most productive tin mine, its operator said in a statement received by AFP Friday.

Mine shafts snake under the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's mountains, but instead of the Congolese government their rich veins are making a mint for the Rwanda-backed M23.

When the Banyene family were sent back to their home in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, all that had survived the fighting was a crumbling wall and sagging metal roof. But at the end of January Goma,

M23 fighters, backed by Rwanda, continue to advance into eastern DR Congo. While the rebels are outnumbered by the Congolese army, DW examines whether the military has the capacity to respond effectively.