M23 rebels faced pockets of resistance from the army and militias after entering eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, African media reported.
Residents reported small arms fire and several loud explosions on Tuesday morning, particularly near the airport.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa spoke with his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to discuss the recent escalation in Congo. Nine South African peacekeepers were killed this week, prompting the presidents to discuss the need for a ceasefire.
Goma is a vital humanitarian centre for the region and a gateway for the tantalum and tin ore trade. In recent days, M23 fighters advanced rapidly through North Kivu province on the border with Rwanda before approaching the city of about two million people, forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.
Rwanda, which had previously denied the presence of its military in Congo, also rejected calls for a withdrawal, saying its country’s security was at risk. However, critics accused the South African government of not doing enough to ensure its troops were properly equipped to take part in the conflict.
