Fighting intensifies near Goma as UN plans emergency meeting on eastern DR Congo conflict

Fighting between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed fighters has intensified near Goma, a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting in response to the escalating violence. Both the DRC and Rwanda have withdrawn their diplomats amid the conflict. The M23 group, supported by Rwandan troops, has gained control of large areas in eastern DRC since 2021, leading to significant displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Heavy explosions have been reported in Goma, which has a population of over one million. This escalation follows the cancellation of peace talks between the leaders of Rwanda and the DRC in December.