GOMA, Congo (AP) — Thousands fled the city of Goma on Monday as fighting raged between Congolese forces and rebels backed by neighboring Rwanda, who claimed to have captured eastern Congo’s largest regional hub.

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.

GOMA, Congo — (AP ... Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. Associated Press writer Gerald Imray contributed to this report from Cape Town, South Africa. This story has been corrected ...

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.

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.

GOMA, Congo (AP) — Panic spread in Goma on Thursday, with M23 rebels steadily inching closer to the city in eastern Congo as they battle the Congolese army. Bombs were heard going off in the distant outskirts and hundreds of wounded civilians were brought in to the main hospital from nearby towns and villages.

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.

United Nations and army officials say fighting with M23 rebels in eastern Congo has left at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead.

Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya said Kinshasa wanted to prevent "carnage," with Rwanda's forces in the east of the country. It comes after the M23 group claimed to have taken the city of Goma.