Rwanda-backed rebels who recently captured the key city of Goma in eastern Congo held a stadium rally to reassure residents of safety under their administration. The M23 rebels, supported by troops from Rwanda, have continued their advances in eastern Congo despite announcing a unilateral cease-fire. The U.N. secretary-general has called for the rebels to lay down their arms and agree to mediation.
During the rally in Goma, M23 political leader Corneille Nangaa assured the crowd that the city had been 'liberated and sanitized,' with new administrative heads appointed. He emphasized security as a top priority and announced plans for children to return to school and state agents to resume work.
