The Democratic Republic of Congo called on Tuesday for immediate action by the UN Security Council to address an escalating crisis in the country, warning that if it does not do so, "then it is the path that will take responsibility."

Stressing that all necessary measures had been taken to protect diplomatic missions in the country, Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner told the Security Council that "the casualties are nothing less than the result of criminal acts that constitute crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by the RDF (Rwandan Forces) with complete impunity and with the silence of this Council," AA wrote.

Wagner said her country is "locked down" and noted that in the last 24 hours alone, over 100 people had been taken to health centers, more than 500,000 had been displaced and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate.

"What more will Rwanda do to continue to abuse your respect and authority? What international instrument must it violate for the Council to finally take the necessary measures against Kigali under the UN Charter, international humanitarian law on human rights and also the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes?" she said.

She stressed that the lives of civilians, deprived of basic necessities for four days, depended on the decisions the Security Council would make and urged it to be "courageous".

Wagner further urged the Council to "take strong action" against Rwanda over alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes.

"Everyone has come to see what you are going to do. What is the scale of humanitarian catastrophe and flagrant violations of our territory that must be reached for you to condemn the perpetrators in M23, the Rwandan officers and their collaborators?" she said, adding that "if this Council does not condemn, this will go down in history as a time of Security Council impotence and indifference."

Drawing attention to the fact that the Democratic Republic of Congo is an African country under attack, she said that "allowing this crisis to continue while declaring it is an African problem that requires an African solution betrays the spirit of international solidarity."

It called for "collective" responsibility and listed five urgent demands including the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops, targeted sanctions against the RDF chain of command, an embargo on natural resources, Rwanda's withdrawal as a UN troop contributor, and transparency in arms transfers.

"We are here because the world needs to resolve its disputes and face its challenges. If the Council fails, then it is the path that will take responsibility," she said.

On Monday, M23 rebels, who are suspected of being supported by Rwanda, claimed to have taken control of the eastern city of Goma, while Kinshasa claimed Rwandan forces were present.

At least 25 people have been killed in Goma and nine in Rwanda. Hundreds have been injured in ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and rebels.

Locals say both government forces and rebels control parts of the city of 3 million people, including internally displaced people.