Violence escalates in Goma as calls for peace grow in DR Congo

Violence in Goma, a key city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has escalated, resulting in at least 17 deaths and nearly 400 injuries. International calls for peace talks are increasing as fighting continues between government forces and M23 rebels. The Congolese government claims control over most of Goma, while M23 rebels dispute this. South Africa reported four more peacekeeper deaths, raising its total casualties to 13. The African Union plans an emergency meeting to address the situation. The U.S. Secretary of State has urged for a quick restart of peace talks between DR Congo and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the rebels. The Congolese government is also seeking a UN Security Council meeting to discuss sanctions against Rwanda.