Thousands rally in DR Congo against Rwanda

Thousands have protested in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) city of Goma, denouncing Rwanda’s alleged support of M23 rebels, as Kinshasa recalled its interim acting ambassador from Kigali in a further souring of relations.

The protests on Monday come as M23 have tightened their grip on the surrounding countryside.

Kinshasa has expelled the Rwandan ambassador, accusing Kigali of supporting the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies this.

Eastern DR Congo has seen a spike in hostilities this month as the M23 advance toward Goma.

The UN peacekeeping force has been put on high alert.

A mostly Congolese Tutsi group, the M23 resumed fighting late last year after lying dormant for years.

It accuses Kinshasa of failing to honor an agreement to integrate its fighters into the army.

Agencies