The Democratic Republic of Congo withdrew its diplomats from Kigali as the Rwanda-backed M23 fighters advanced on the key city of Goma in the east of the country. - More than a hundred wounded - The United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) said its Quick Reaction Forces had "been actively engaged in intense combat" with its heavy artillery firing against M23 positions.

The United Nations announced that it has temporarily decided to relocate non-essential staff from Goma, the capital of North

Fighting has escalated sharply in recent weeks in eastern Congo, where rebels have seized key towns and are closing in on the city of Goma, the government’s last stronghold in the North Kivu province,

In recent clashes with M23 rebels in eastern Congo, six UN peacekeepers from various nations have been killed. The M23 has gained significant ground near Goma, prompting the UN to relocate nonessential staff.

The DR Congo army and M23 fighters clashed outside Goma on Friday as the UK, United States and France urged citizens to leave the main city in the country's volatile east, warning the situation could deteriorate rapidly.

Nine UN peacekeepers were injured in clashes with the advancing M23 rebel group near Goma, eastern Congo. M23 has encircled Goma, a major hub, intensifying the regional conflict. Accusations of Rwandan backing for M23 persist amid a severe humanitarian crisis impacting over 400,

The M23, which is supported by thousands of Rwandan troops, briefly seized Goma during its last insurgency over a decade ago, and had stated ( in interviews with our reporters) that it would not do so again.

Civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are at increasing risk as the abusive M23 armed group, supported by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), approaches Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson, António Guterres noted the Rwandan-backed rebels’ reported seizure of Sake, in South Kivu, “which increases the threat” to the regional capital Goma – all of which is “ heightening the threat of a regional war ”. Rwanda denies any direct involvement with M23 fighters.

Nine South African peacekeepers have been killed in clashes with M23 forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Defence Department confirmed.

The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday without interrupting its operations in the country at a time heightened security concerns.