This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-20396768

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
DR Congo rejects M23 rebels' ultimatum to leave Goma DR Congo rejects M23 rebels' ultimatum to leave Goma
(35 minutes later)
The Democratic Republic of Congo's government has rejected an ultimatum by rebels to start talks, as fighting continues near the city of Goma.The Democratic Republic of Congo's government has rejected an ultimatum by rebels to start talks, as fighting continues near the city of Goma.
The M23 rebels advanced to within a few kilometres of Goma on Sunday, causing tens of thousands of residents to flee. Rwanda, which is accused of arming the rebels, said Congolese forces fired into its territory.
On Monday, the rebels demanded that government forces withdraw within 24 hours and open dialogue. The M23 rebels have advanced to within a few kilometres of Goma, the main city in eastern DR Congo, causing tens of thousands of residents to flee.
The rebels have given government troops 24 hours to withdraw from Goma.
The UN Security Council has condemned the rebel advance - the most serious since July in the resource-rich region.The UN Security Council has condemned the rebel advance - the most serious since July in the resource-rich region.
The streets of Goma were deserted on Monday, except for the rare army or UN vehicle, AFP news agency reports.
'Real threat''Real threat'
The M23 rebels said in a statement that if the government failed to hold "direct political negotiations" within 24 hours, they would "pursue the resistance against the government of Kinshasa until it falls", AFP reports. The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse reports from Goma that the city is very tense.
DR Congo government spokesman Lambert Mende said the rebels were "fictitious forces" backed by neighbouring Rwanda to "hide its criminal activities" in the east. Soldiers have been taking up positions, while there has been firing at a roundabout in the city centre, he says.
One resident told the BBC they felt "abandoned" by UN peacekeepers.
"At least yesterday [Sunday], we could see UN helicopters bombing, fighting. But nothing today [Monday]," he said.
"We can hear shooting at the airport. We are fleeing not knowing where to go."
The M23 rebels said in a statement that if the government failed to hold "direct political negotiations" within 24 hours, they would "pursue the resistance against the government of Kinshasa until it falls", AFP news agency reports.
DR Congo government spokesman Lambert Mende said the rebels were "fictitious forces" backed by Rwanda to "hide its criminal activities" in the east.
"We prefer to negotiate with Rwanda, the real aggressor," he said."We prefer to negotiate with Rwanda, the real aggressor," he said.
At the weekend, the UN Security Council demanded an end to outside support for the group, noting they were well equipped.At the weekend, the UN Security Council demanded an end to outside support for the group, noting they were well equipped.
Last month, a UN panel of experts said Rwanda and Uganda were supplying M23, also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army, with weapons in what is seen as an on-going battle for control of the region, which is rich in minerals.Last month, a UN panel of experts said Rwanda and Uganda were supplying M23, also known as the Congolese Revolutionary Army, with weapons in what is seen as an on-going battle for control of the region, which is rich in minerals.
Rwanda and Uganda strongly denied the allegation.Rwanda and Uganda strongly denied the allegation.
On Monday, a Rwandan official told the BBC that Congolese forces fired into Rwandan territory near the border between the two countries.
UN officials in Goma said they had heard similar reports.
The Rwandan authorities said they had not responded to the fire, although local sources in Goma reported at least two explosions from ordnance apparently coming from the direction of Gisenyi, on the Rwandan side of the border, our correspondent says.
The UK has urged British citizens to leave Goma and advised against all but essential travel to the whole country.The UK has urged British citizens to leave Goma and advised against all but essential travel to the whole country.
"Any British nationals in Goma should leave, and any in DRC should check the FCO's updated travel advice," said Foreign Minister William Hague. "Any British nationals in Goma should leave, and any in DRC should check the FCO's [Foreign and Commonwealth Office] updated travel advice," said Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Government forces and UN troops still control Goma's airport, but the UN says the humanitarian situation is worsening, with some 60,000 internally displaced people fleeing the fighting.Government forces and UN troops still control Goma's airport, but the UN says the humanitarian situation is worsening, with some 60,000 internally displaced people fleeing the fighting.
The UN said more than 10,000 fleeing civilians were seen passing near the airport on Sunday.The UN said more than 10,000 fleeing civilians were seen passing near the airport on Sunday.
The rebels captured the town of Kibumba 30km (19 miles) north of Goma, on Saturday, and have since edged closer towards the North Kivu provincial capital, which lies close to the borders with Rwanda and Uganda.The rebels captured the town of Kibumba 30km (19 miles) north of Goma, on Saturday, and have since edged closer towards the North Kivu provincial capital, which lies close to the borders with Rwanda and Uganda.
The UN said its peacekeeping forces, Monusco, fought advancing rebels throughout Sunday, using rockets, cannon rounds and helicopter gunships.The UN said its peacekeeping forces, Monusco, fought advancing rebels throughout Sunday, using rockets, cannon rounds and helicopter gunships.
"There is a real threat that the city could fall into the M23's hands," said spokesman Kieran Dwyer."There is a real threat that the city could fall into the M23's hands," said spokesman Kieran Dwyer.
Last week, the UN and US imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the group's leader, Sultani Makenga.Last week, the UN and US imposed a travel ban and asset freeze on the group's leader, Sultani Makenga.
Are you in Goma or elsewhere in the DR Congo? What is your reaction to the advance of M23 rebels? You can send us your views and experiences using the form below.Are you in Goma or elsewhere in the DR Congo? What is your reaction to the advance of M23 rebels? You can send us your views and experiences using the form below.
Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures and videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk or text them to 61124 (UK) or +44 7624 800 100 (International). If you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditionsRead the terms and conditions