Fighting escalates in eastern Congo as governor is killed and Goma residents urged to evacuate

Fighting between M23 rebels and Congolese armed forces has escalated, resulting in the death of North Kivu governor Peter Chirimwami. Western governments, including the UK, US, and France, have advised their citizens to leave Goma as the situation worsens. The M23 group has made significant territorial gains in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing towns near Goma. The UN reported that its peacekeepers are engaged in intense combat against M23 forces. The conflict has displaced over 400,000 people this year, nearly double the previous count. Many families are fleeing to Goma for safety amid heavy bombardments in the region.