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 are expanding their control in eastern Congo. This call comes as the rebels have captured significant territory, including parts of Goma. The M23 rebels, supported by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, 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 in the region. A regional summit has called for an immediate ceasefire and urged the Congolese government to negotiate with the rebels. Tensions are rising between Rwanda and South Africa, with both countries exchanging threats amid the ongoing conflict.