DRC president skips AU summit as M23 rebels advance in South Kivu

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi will not attend the African Union summit this weekend due to the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He is focused on the situation as the M23 rebel group advances in South Kivu. M23 has captured the provincial capital Goma and is now moving towards Bukavu, taking control of a vital airport. The group is reportedly operating with little resistance in the area. Rwandan President Paul Kagame also skipped the AU meeting. The African Union has been criticized for its lack of effectiveness in addressing the DRC crisis, with some observers calling it a passive participant.