Rwanda-backed rebels claimed they captured eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, early Monday, as the United Nations described a mass panic among its 2 million people and Congo’s government said the rebel advance was a “declaration of war.

Residents in eastern Congo’s largest city of Goma are fleeing after Rwanda-backed rebels claimed to have captured the regional hub from Congolese forces.

The M23 militia, funded and directed by Rwanda, said it had seized the city of Goma, terrifying its people, many of whom sought shelter there after fleeing the rebel advance.

The Rwandan government has expressed concerns about statements issued by various parties on the security crisis in eastern DR Congo, where the M23 rebels have intensified their offensive around Goma city.

The government has reaffirmed that its borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) remain open, despite ongoing heavy fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group near the Rwandan border.

Many Congolese see the rebel advance as an invasion of their country by a foreign power in an attempt to seize land and Congo’s valuable rare minerals.

France and Britain have called on Rwanda to address accusations of supporting the M23 rebels in recent conflicts near Goma, in eastern Congo. At a U.N. Security Council meeting, both countries urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from Congo territory amid escalating tensions.

Rwanda’s government denies the claim but last ... Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Christina Malkia in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.

Jakadan Faransa a zauren Majalisar Dinkin Duniya ya nemi Rwanda da ta janye sojojinta daga yankunan DRC, a yayin da shi kuma na Burtaniya ya bukaci a kawo karshen kisan da ake yi wa dakarun wanzar da zaman lafiya.

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Majalisar Dinkin Duniya da Burtaniya da Faransa duk sun yi kira ga Rwanda ta daina taimaka wa mayakan 'yan tawayen M23 da ke kara matsa kaimi a gabashin Kwango.