Congo rebels advance to Goma
Rebel forces in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are reportedly making an advance to the region’s main city of Goma.
Reports have emerged that the rebel group known as M23, were some 40 kilometres from the city, which is located near the countries border with Rwanda.
In addition, government forces are said to be losing heavy ground, as rebel forces captured a number of towns and villages in the area.
Senior government military officials have told news reporters that rebel forces in the countries east are in control of vast areas.
Earlier on Sunday, rebel fighters claimed the strategic town of Rutshuru, 70 kilometres north of the city of Goma.
Rebel fighters, loyal to renegade General Bosco Ntaganda, who were part of the Congolese army staged a munity a few months ago, after the government in Kinshasa stepped up its campaign to arrest and trail Ntaganda.
Ntaganda, known locally as "the terminator", is wanted by the International Criminal Court for war crimes.
The Congolese government, international rights groups and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of backing, arming and supporting the rebels in the DR Congo. A accusation strongly condemned by Rwanda.
So far, over 200 000 people are said to have fled their homes, since the fighting broke out between rebels and government troops in April. Some 20 000 people have already fled to neighbouring Uganda and Rwanda seeking refuge.
The eastern part of the country has been ravaged and plagued by war, instability and fighting for years.
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