M23 rebels claim control of Goma as UN reports mass panic among residents

M23 rebels have claimed control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, just before a deadline for the Congolese army to surrender. The UN reported "mass panic" among Goma's two million residents as the situation escalated. The Congolese government has severed ties with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebels. The UN has begun processing surrendering Congolese soldiers, while the rebels have made significant territorial gains in recent weeks. The UN's special representative stated that M23 fighters are advancing and using civilians as shields. The situation has led to the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers in the past week, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.