Congo Catholic delegation meets rebel leader in Goma amid rising tensions

A Catholic church delegation in Congo met with rebel leader Corneille Nangaa in Goma, where his M23 forces recently took control. This meeting may create tension with the government of President Felix Tshisekedi. Nangaa aims to unify opposition against Tshisekedi, as M23 threatens to advance toward Bukavu. Clashes have been reported near Ihusi, while Bukavu remains under government control. The conflict in eastern Congo has led to thousands of deaths and over a million displacements since early 2022. Although Goma is experiencing tentative calm, M23 has called for the evacuation of displacement camps, which they later clarified should be voluntary.