Congo's president urges youth to join military against advancing Rwanda-backed rebels

Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi has urged young people to join the military to combat Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, who have expanded their control in eastern Congo. This call comes amid a regional summit urging dialogue with the rebels. The M23 rebels have captured significant territory, including Goma, and are advancing deeper into South Kivu. The Congolese military is weakened after foreign contractors withdrew, and fighting continues as the rebels aim to establish a permanent presence. Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has threatened to confront South Africa over its involvement in the conflict. Tensions remain high as the situation in eastern Congo, driven by ethnic conflict and competition for mineral resources, escalates.