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At least 11 people have been killed and 60 others wounded after explosions and gunfire tore through a rebel-led rally in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to a hospital source.

The chaotic scenes unfolded as crowds fled in panic from the city’s main square, where Rwanda-backed rebels were holding their first public event since capturing Bukavu earlier this month following a rapid offensive against government forces.

The rally was addressed by Corneille Nangaa, leader of an alliance of rebel groups that includes the M23 militia. Nangaa promised increased security in the city, saying, “There will be special units and patrols in all communes.”

Nangaa and M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa had reportedly left the venue before the explosions occurred.

The rebels accused President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of being behind the attack, while Tshisekedi blamed “a foreign army” operating in eastern DR Congo—a reference to Rwanda, which has long been accused of supporting M23.

In a statement, Nangaa said two suspects had been apprehended, and a search was underway for others, warning that “this cowardly and barbaric act will not go without consequences.”

Since January, the rebels have advanced through eastern DR Congo, capturing key cities including Bukavu and Goma. The conflict has displaced around 500,000 people, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations.

The African Union and the UN have urged a ceasefire and called on the rebels to withdraw from seized areas.

While Rwanda previously denied backing M23, it now argues that fighting near the DR Congo-Rwanda border poses a direct threat to its security.

UN experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are operating in eastern DR Congo.