Violence in Congo-Kinshasa

M23 on the movement's goal: "Take power and lead the country"

The rebel movement M23's goal is to overthrow the Congo-Kinshasa government and take over the government. This is what Corneille Nangaa, one of the movement's political leaders, told the AP.

- We want to go to Kinshasa, take power and lead the country.

After taking the city of Goma in eastern Congo-Kinshasa earlier this week, the rebels have now begun to advance south. However, they are still more than 1,500 kilometers from the capital Kinshasa.

A spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres tells AFP that they are "deeply concerned" by the reports of M23's advances.

Rwanda's President: We are ready for confrontation

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame says he is ready for a "confrontation" after accusations in recent days that he supports the M23 rebels in Congo-Kinshasa.

According to Kagame, the accusations are false, but a number of countries and organizations - including the UN - believe that Rwanda's involvement is beyond reasonable doubt.

Congo-Kinshasa's President Félix Tshisekedi announced late Wednesday evening that a counter-offensive had been launched against the M23 rebels in the eastern parts of the country, near the border with Rwanda.

- A strong and coordinated response against these terrorists and their sponsors has been launched.