Congo

Rwanda-backed rebels are quickly expanding their presence in eastern DR Congo after capturing Goma, the region’s major city, the U.N. said on Friday.

The Romanian soldiers were contracted by the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to stop the rebel advance.

Thousands of residents who fled following a major escalation of the decades-long conflict arrived at the Rwandan border, as M23 rebels consolidate control of the city of Goma.

Fighting with M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo has left at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead, UN and army officials said on Saturday.

M23 has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling Goma, which has around two million people and is a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts.