Congo cuts ties with Rwanda as M23 rebels escalate conflict near Goma

Congo has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda amid escalating fighting between government forces and the M23 rebels near Goma. The M23 group, backed by Rwanda, has gained significant territory, surrounding the city and displacing hundreds of thousands. The M23, formed by ethnic Tutsis, accuses the Congolese government of failing to honor a peace deal from 2009. The group aims to protect Tutsi interests against Hutu militias and has controlled key mining areas, generating substantial revenue. Rwanda denies supporting the M23 and claims it is acting defensively. U.N. peacekeepers are assisting the Congolese army against the rebels, but their withdrawal has been paused due to worsening security.