Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claim control of key DR Congo city of Goma

Congolese government troops deploy outside Goma as M23 rebels closed in on the city. (Moses Sawasawa/AP)

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, as the United Nations reported “mass panic” with the government dubbing the insurgency a “declaration of war.”

The city’s capture came following a 48-hour deadline imposed by the group for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons.