Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo are moving closer to taking over the important city of Goma, with reports claiming they have seized the airport, according to BBC.

The government says it still has control of the city, but heavy fighting continues in some areas. Aid organizations report that food and medical warehouses have been looted, and hospitals are overwhelmed with injured people. The UN says many bodies are lying in the streets, showing how serious the situation has become.

The conflict involves the M23 rebel group, which has been advancing quickly across the mineral-rich eastern region of DR Congo. There are accusations that neighboring Rwanda is helping the rebels, though Rwanda denies this. BBC explains that Goma is a key hub for trade and transportation, close to valuable minerals used in making mobile phones.

Angry protests broke out in the capital, Kinshasa, with demonstrators targeting foreign embassies, including those of France, Kenya, and Uganda. Protesters burned tires and disrupted traffic, calling for peace talks to stop the violence.

The African Union (AU) has called for the rebels to put down their weapons and respect DR Congo’s borders. BBC reports that South Africa, which has peacekeeping soldiers in DR Congo, has lost 13 soldiers due to clashes with the M23. Malawi and Uruguay have also lost peacekeepers.

The US has also stepped in, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio urging peace talks between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. Kenya’s President William Ruto has organized a meeting between the two leaders to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, the Congolese government has asked the UN Security Council to take strong action against Rwanda, accusing its forces of crossing into DR Congo’s territory, which they described as a “declaration of war.” The UN has condemned the rebel advances and expressed concern over foreign interference, according to BBC.

The situation remains dire, with civilians suffering as the fighting escalates. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and many people are being injured by heavy artillery in crowded areas, especially children.

BBC emphasizes the urgency of peace talks to prevent further loss of life and destruction.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cyv4606y4jzo

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