The United States is calling for an end to clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The army, backed by UN forces, has seized control of three rebel positions. A high-ranking official has described the situation in the eastern DRC as a "tinderbox" that could degenerate into a regional war. Russ Feingold, the US Special Envoy for the Great Lakes, said there were "enormous risks" if clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels continue. He told RFI that military action sis not Congolese President Joseph Kabila's "first choice".