Congo rejects rebels' ceasefire as fighting escalates in eastern region

Congo's government rejected a ceasefire declared by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, calling it "false communication." Fighting continues in eastern Congo, with reports of heavy clashes between the rebels and Congolese forces, particularly in South Kivu. The M23 rebels announced the ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, but the Congolese government demands their withdrawal. The rebels recently captured Goma, a key city, and are advancing toward Bukavu. Congo's interior minister reported a death toll of 2,000 from recent fighting, with many bodies buried in mass graves. The U.N. has called for the reopening of Goma's airport to aid evacuation and humanitarian efforts.