M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have seized Goma, the largest city in eastern DR Congo, sparking fears of regional escalation. Gunfire erupted hours after the rebel group announced their takeover, with the Congolese government calling it a “declaration of war” by Rwanda. The UN has reported mass panic among Goma’s two million residents as thousands flee the conflict-ridden region. The advance coincides with ongoing clashes between DRC and Rwandan troops along their shared border, straining already tense relations. DR Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of deploying troops and supporting M23 with firepower. The UN Security Council has demanded the withdrawal of external forces while calling for peace. A previous call by the organization urging Kigali to withdraw its troops had fallen on deaf ears and there is no indication that this time would be any different.
Source: Aljazeera
