Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of the city of Goma and are reportedly advancing south to take more territory.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority, on a televised statement he address to the nation, he said a “vigorous and coordinated response” against what he called “terrorists” was under way. Also criticised the international community for “inaction” and for not doing enough in the wake of the escalating security crisis.
The fighting has already forced about 500,000 people from their homes and since the fighting broke out many are left without power, water, and food which was already scarce.
Tshisekedi Has refused to speak with the M23 leaders directly and will only hold talks with Rwanda. The southern African regional community SADC is due to hold a special summit in Zimbabwe on Friday of the bloc’s heads of state to discuss DR Congo.
Meanwhile since M23 has taken Goma they have their eyes set on DR Congo’s second biggest city, Bukavu, and the Congolese army has established a line of defence near it.