The M23 rebels have announced that they have taken control of Goma, a key city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The announcement comes after intense clashes with the Congolese army. The fighting resulted in the deaths of 13 soldiers, including nine South Africans.
Among the South African casualties, two were members of the United Nations peacekeeping forces, while seven served with the Southern African mission in the DRC.
Heavy gunfire was reported outside Goma on Sunday night, with the M23 rebels giving government forces an ultimatum to surrender by 3:00 am.
It remains unclear how Kinshasa will respond to the situation. Concerns are growing over the potential for Goma to fall entirely under rebel control.
DRC Conflict I SA deplores “unwarranted attacks” against UN Peacekeeping Mission
