Fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army has taken a deadly turn, with the military governor of North Kivu province, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, being shot and killed by M23 fighters on Thursday.
The general was visiting the frontline when he was attacked and later airlifted to the capital Kinshasa for treatment, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The M23 rebels have been making significant gains in recent weeks, seizing control of more territory than ever and displacing over 400,000 people since the start of the year.
The rebels have captured several towns, including Masisi and Minova, and are now advancing on the city of Goma, a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts.
The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with more than 200 civilians killed in areas captured by the M23 and hospitals in Goma treating hundreds of injured patients.
The UN has warned that the ongoing conflict is worsening the humanitarian crisis in the region, and Human Rights Watch has accused both sides of committing grave abuses against civilians.
In response to the escalating violence, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi cut short his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos and returned to hold urgent security meetings with top officials.
The president has instructed the army to track down the M23 rebels and push them back from Goma.
