Nine South African soldiers killed in escalating eastern Congo conflict

Nine South African soldiers were killed in eastern Congo amid escalating conflict with Rwanda-backed rebels. This follows the death of North Kivu's military governor and intensified fighting around Goma, where Congolese troops and peacekeepers are trying to repel the M23 insurgency. The M23 rebels have gained more territory this month, prompting the U.N. to warn of a potential regional war. The situation in Goma remains tense, with a heavy police presence, while the U.N. has begun relocating non-essential staff due to security concerns. The conflict has displaced 400,000 people this year, worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region. The European Union has called for Rwanda to stop supporting the M23 rebels, but Rwanda denies involvement. The U.N. Security Council will discuss the crisis on Monday.