The conflict in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, continues to escalate as President Félix Tshisekedi has refused to attend peace talks aimed at resolving the crisis caused by the M23 rebels’ assault on the city. The meeting, initiated by Kenyan President William Ruto, was set to include Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The rebels, accused of receiving support from Rwanda, have taken control of large parts of Goma, including its airport, leaving the city in chaos with bodies in the streets and widespread displacement. The United Nations peacekeeping forces, stationed in the city, have been unable to prevent the M23 advance. As the rebels push further into the region, there are fears of rising ethnic tensions, particularly between Tutsi-led M23 forces and the DR Congo government. Meanwhile, protests have erupted in the capital Kinshasa, with demonstrators targeting foreign embassies and demanding international intervention.
