UN warns of potential regional war as M23 rebels intensify fighting in Congo

Fighting between the Democratic Republic of Congo's military and the M23 rebel group has intensified, with M23 capturing the city of Goma and its airport. The UN reports at least 17 deaths and 400 injuries, with 500,000 people fleeing the city. The conflict, rooted in ethnic tensions and historical events like the Rwandan genocide, has raised concerns about a potential regional war. M23, backed by Rwanda, has been involved in fighting for decades, and the current escalation is alarming. Protests erupted in Kinshasa, the DRC's capital, against perceived foreign complicity in the conflict. Authorities reported violence against embassies, while officials urged peaceful demonstrations. The UN warns the situation could worsen, echoing past regional conflicts.