Rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan troops, have captured two cities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UK summoned Rwanda's high commissioner over the escalation of conflict in eastern Congo, where Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu. The UK condemns Rwanda's military involvement and demands troop withdrawal. UN experts accuse M23 of severe human rights abuses, including targeting hospitals and humanitarian aid. The conflict's roots trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with Hutu refugees fleeing into Congo. Rwanda accuses Congo of integrating Hutu genocidaires into its forces, a claim Congo denies. M23 claims to fight for Tutsi protection but is suspected of broader ambitions, including targeting Kinshasa. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned of a potential humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands flee the region.
