Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi urged young people to enlist in the army as M23 rebels, backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops, advanced deeper into eastern Congo, capturing parts of Goma and South Kivu.

A regional summit called for an immediate ceasefire and talks, but Tshisekedi was absent.

Meanwhile, South African peacekeepers were killed, prompting President Cyril Ramaphosa to accuse Rwanda, leading Rwandan President Paul Kagame to threaten retaliation.

Analysts warn the conflict, rooted in ethnic tensions and control over Congo’s vast mineral wealth, risks escalating into a regional war, ABC News has reported.

M23 appears intent on establishing long-term control.

Written by B.C. Begley