M23 Rebels Expand Control of Goma In Eastern Congo

CONGO – M23 rebels have seized large parts of Goma in Eastern Congo, including its airport the U.N. confirmed Wednesday.

The agency says thousands of residents fled and hospitals overwhelmed with the wounded.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has now joined calls for a ceasefire, even as his government denies supporting M23.

The conflict, involving more than 100 armed groups, has raged for decades in Congo’s mineral-rich east.

Pope Francis has also urged an end to the fighting, calling for civilian protection.