GOMA, DRC, March 12 (Xinhua) -- Rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) have captured several strategic towns on the outskirts of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), despite the presence of a regional force from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed to counter the rebellion.

The M23's advances have escalated a security and diplomatic crisis, as regional countries promote efforts to arrange a meeting between leaders of Rwanda and the DRC. The DRC has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, an accusation rejected by both Kigali and the M23 rebel group. The rebel group, which resurfaced in late 2021, has triggered conflicts and humanitarian crises and seized major strongholds on Congolese soil.

The M23 rebels seized control of several towns surrounding Goma, an economic hub, with the DRC armed forces (FARDC) ordering a withdrawal of its troops, according to military sources. Vitshumbi town, located on the shores of Lake Edward, is the latest to fall to the rebels without resistance, as many residents had already fled.

An M23 military official assured residents of security and better administration organization, urging them to remain in their homes. Meanwhile, the FARDC said it withdrew from the areas to avoid collateral damage among the population, promising to retake captured territories in the coming days, with reinforcements already deployed for this operation.

As the M23 continues its advances, the regional SADC force remains deployed around Sake, engaging in violent clashes with rebels positioned on the mountains overlooking the town, seen as the last barrier before Goma.

Comprised of military elements from Tanzania, South Africa and Malawi, supported by the African Union, the SADC force aims to halt the M23's advance.

Despite international and regional calls for a peaceful solution, diplomatic tensions persist between the DRC and Rwanda.

Over the past two weeks, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and President of the DRC Felix Tshisekedi have visited Luanda, Angola's capital, where they met with Angolan President Joao Lourenco.

According to Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio, both Rwanda and the DRC leaders have agreed to the principle of holding the meeting, with ministerial delegations from both sides working toward this goal.

Lourenco, acting as the mediator appointed by the African Union, has been facilitating the meeting between the two leaders, although specific dates have not yet been mentioned. Enditem

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