The Democratic Republic of Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing its neighbor of backing the M23 rebel group.
The move comes amid a surge in fighting that has killed at least nine peacekeepers from South Africa and displaced thousands of civilians in eastern Congo.
The M23 insurgency has been ongoing for three years, but it has intensified in January, with the rebels seizing control of more territory than ever before.
The UN has warned of the risk of a broader regional war, prompting the UN Security Council to meet on Sunday to discuss the crisis.
Congo’s army has accused Rwanda of fueling the conflict with its own troops and weapons, a claim Rwanda denies.
However, Congo’s army spokesperson, Sylvain Ekenge, said Rwandan snipers were responsible for the killing of North Kivu’s military governor on the front line this week.
The situation in Goma, a city of over 1 million people, is increasingly dire, with the UN relocating its non-essential staff due to the deteriorating security situation.
The European Union has called on Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 and withdraw, while Human Rights Watch has warned of the enormous humanitarian needs in the region.
