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Congolese president snubs peace talks over Goma crisis Congolese president snubs peace talks over Goma crisis
(about 1 hour later)
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the fightingTens of thousands of people have been displaced by the fighting
The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi will not take part in regionally brokered talks aimed at ending the rebel assault on the key eastern city of Goma, state media has reported.The Democratic Republic of Congo's President Félix Tshisekedi will not take part in regionally brokered talks aimed at ending the rebel assault on the key eastern city of Goma, state media has reported.
Kenyan leader William Ruto had invited Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to a regional summit later on Wednesday, as corpses lay on the streets of Goma following heavy fighting.Kenyan leader William Ruto had invited Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to a regional summit later on Wednesday, as corpses lay on the streets of Goma following heavy fighting.
Neighbouring Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group, which has taken over much of the city, including its airport.Neighbouring Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group, which has taken over much of the city, including its airport.
About 280 Romanian mercenaries who were fighting on the side of DR Congo's army had surrendered to M23, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) said on X, external.About 280 Romanian mercenaries who were fighting on the side of DR Congo's army had surrendered to M23, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) said on X, external.
Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo told the BBC that Rwanda would take part in summit, but did not say whether Kagame would attend. Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo told the BBC that Rwanda would take part in the summit, but did not say whether Kagame would attend.
The UN says there is extensive evidence that Rwanda is backing the M23 but Rwanda denies giving the rebels direct military support.The UN says there is extensive evidence that Rwanda is backing the M23 but Rwanda denies giving the rebels direct military support.
What's the fighting in DR Congo all about?What's the fighting in DR Congo all about?
The evidence that shows Rwanda is backing rebels in DR CongoThe evidence that shows Rwanda is backing rebels in DR Congo
Goma was mostly quiet on Wednesday, with reports of sporadic gunfire in some districts.Goma was mostly quiet on Wednesday, with reports of sporadic gunfire in some districts.
Residents who had been hiding in safe areas ventured out to buy food that is becoming increasingly scarce following days of fighting.Residents who had been hiding in safe areas ventured out to buy food that is becoming increasingly scarce following days of fighting.
DR Congo's official news agency said that Tshisekedi would not attend the heads of state summit called by Ruto in his capacity as chairman of the East African Community (EAC). It did not give a reason for his decision. In an apparent attempt to extend their territorial control, M23 rebels are now advancing towards Bukavu, eastern DR Congo's second biggest city, Reuters news agency quotes five diplomatic and security sources as saying. The BBC has not been able to verify this information.
DR Congo's official news agency said that Tshisekedi would not attend the heads of state summit called by Kenya's leader in his capacity as chairman of the East African Community (EAC). It did not give a reason for his decision.
The captured Romanian mercenaries were being taken to Rwanda's capital Kigali, the Rwandan military says
Since the beginning of the week, clashes between M23 rebels and the army and its allies left hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and bodies on the streets, according to the UN.Since the beginning of the week, clashes between M23 rebels and the army and its allies left hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and bodies on the streets, according to the UN.
Warehouses with food and medical supplies were also looted, aid agencies said.Warehouses with food and medical supplies were also looted, aid agencies said.
Essential services have been unavailable since the offensive began, with electricity, water and internet cut.Essential services have been unavailable since the offensive began, with electricity, water and internet cut.
Growing anger over the rebel offensive led to protesters targeting foreign embassies in the capital, Kinshasa.Growing anger over the rebel offensive led to protesters targeting foreign embassies in the capital, Kinshasa.
At least 10 embassies were damaged and looted by protesters who demanded that the international community intervene to end the rebel assault, as they tightened their grip on Goma.At least 10 embassies were damaged and looted by protesters who demanded that the international community intervene to end the rebel assault, as they tightened their grip on Goma.
The RDF said the Romanian mercenaries were being transported to Rwanda's capital, Kigali, after they "surrendered to M23 following the capture of the strategic city". Rwanda's military said the Romanian mercenaries were being transported to Rwanda's capital, Kigali, after they had "surrendered to M23 following the capture of the strategic city".
AFP news agency reports that dozens of Romanians - whom it called private military contractors - had fled to the Rwandan town of Gisenyi, just over the border from Goma. But a UN peacekeeper told the BBC that the Romanians had sought refuge at a UN base in Goma, and were then evacuated to Rwanda.
"We weren't on a battlefield, we were here to train and help with artillery," one who only gave the name Emile told AFP. The coordinator of the group, Constantin Timofti, told Romanian news channel TVR that four of his men were wounded in the clashes but were in a stable condition.
Romania's foreign ministry said on Tuesday that the group numbered more than 250, and were private contractors working for the DR Congo government as part of a military training mission.
Dozens of them were seen on Wednesday in Gisenyi, just across the Rwandan border from Goma, being searched by officers.
"We weren't on a battlefield. We were here to train and help with artillery," one, who only gave the name Emile, told AFP news agency.
"What I learned is that anything can happen. I came. I did my work and now I am happy to go back and be with my family," he added."What I learned is that anything can happen. I came. I did my work and now I am happy to go back and be with my family," he added.
In an apparent attempt to extend their territorial control in eastern DR Congo, M23 rebels were now advancing towards the lakeside city of Bukavu, Reuters news agency quoted five diplomatic and security sources as saying. In 2022, DR Congo's government signed contracts with two private military companies to bolster its forces against the rebels.
The Romanian personnel had played a crucial role in securing key installations, including the airport, and had manned checkpoints on the outskirts of Goma, until the latest rebel assault.
More about the conflict in DR Congo:More about the conflict in DR Congo:
DR Congo President Tshisekedi compares Rwanda counterpart Kagame to HitlerDR Congo President Tshisekedi compares Rwanda counterpart Kagame to Hitler
UN report says Rwandan and Ugandan armies are operating in DR CongoUN report says Rwandan and Ugandan armies are operating in DR Congo
A quick guide to DR CongoA quick guide to DR Congo
Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.Go to BBCAfrica.com, external for more news from the African continent.
Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, external, on Facebook at BBC Africa, external or on Instagram at bbcafrica, externalFollow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, external, on Facebook at BBC Africa, external or on Instagram at bbcafrica, external