DRC president to address nation after forces surrendered to rival M23 militants

JOHANNESBURG - The president of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Felix Tshisekedi, is expected to address the nation after his forces surrendered to rival M23 militants in the east of the country.  

M23 has captured the key city of Goma, taking control of the local airport and military sites. 

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Nine members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) were killed in combat with the group last week, as UN and regional forces struggled to fend off the rebel advance.  

The DRC and other countries have called for Rwanda to stop arming and supporting M23, and the leaders of the DRC and Rwanda are scheduled to meet this week following years of tension.  

Seventeen civilians have been killed in the latest fighting around Goma, while Kigali said five civilians were killed across the Rwandan border.