Congo cuts diplomatic ties with Rwanda as fighting escalates near Goma

Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating fighting between government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels near Goma. The conflict has resulted in at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers killed, displacing thousands of civilians. M23 rebels have gained ground, encircling Goma, a city of about 2 million people. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, while Rwanda denies these claims but admits to having troops in eastern Congo for security reasons. The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting to address the violence. Heavy gunfire was reported in Goma, and many displaced people are fleeing toward the city center as concerns grow over the city's safety.