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.

Jambojet, Kenya's budget airline, has suspended flights between Nairobi and Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), due to escalating conflict and the closure of Goma's airspace.

President William Ruto, in his role as chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid the worsening conflict.

Panic is spreading in Goma in eastern Congo as the M23 rebels are steadily encircling the city as the insurgent group battles Congo’s army.

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the rebel alliance, including the M23 group, declared they have seized Goma. The alliance leader issued an ultimatum for Congo's government troops, stating they must surrender by 03:00 local time.

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Panic spread in Goma on ... Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Jean-Yves Kamale in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.

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.

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

Rwanda-backed rebels say they captured eastern Congo's largest city, Goma, as the United Nations described a "mass panic" among its 2 million people.

GOMA, Congo — (AP ... Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Christina Malkia in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.

M23 seized Goma in 2012 and controlled it for over a ... Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Christina Malkia in Kinshasa, Congo, contributed to this report.