Key Points:

• M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, claim to have seized the city of Goma, raising fears of a broader regional war.
• An estimated 13 peacekeepers have died amidst escalating violence, displacing over 237,000 people in January alone.
• The United Nations and international community call for immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of foreign troops.

The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has escalated dramatically as M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, have claimed control over the strategic city of Goma, a regional hub for security and humanitarian efforts. The city, populated by two million residents, has become a center of panic as gunfire and chaos erupt following the rebels' advance over the past weeks. The announcement of Goma's capture coincided with the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum given to the Congolese army to surrender.

The offensive by M23, formally known as March 23 Movement, is seen as a critical blow to the Congolese government's efforts to maintain control. Residents are reported to be fleeing the city en masse, creating a humanitarian crisis that continues to worsen, with more than six million people displaced as a result of ongoing conflicts in this mineral-rich region.

The United Nations Security Council has expressed concern over the situation, calling for the immediate withdrawal of foreign forces supporting M23, which they say are primarily Rwandan troops numbering between 3,000 to 4,000. This assertion has been a point of contention, as Rwanda denies the allegations, arguing that it is acting in defense of its border against threats from Hutu militias and other armed groups within Congo.

Major General Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu province, was killed recently in ongoing clashes as the M23 asserts its control over increasingly vital territories that include key mining operations. The economic implications of the conflict are profound, especially since M23 reportedly generates significant revenue from taxes on coltan, a mineral in high demand for electronics.

In response, the Congolese government has cut diplomatic ties with Rwanda, labeling the situation a "declaration of war," and has called for sanctions. The region's complex history, including the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide, adds layers to this conflict, as ethnic tensions simmer alongside the competition for lucrative mineral resources.

International pressure continues to mount for an end to hostilities, with leaders from Kenya promising to facilitate discussions aimed at peace. A summit involving Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi is planned in hopes of de-escalation.

The grave humanitarian repercussions of this conflict cannot be overstated. More than a third of North Kivu's population is reportedly displaced, further complicating an already dire situation exacerbated by violence and instability. Communities are left in turmoil and uncertainty as they grapple with the consequences of this all-too-familiar cycle of conflict.

For further details, see the full coverage from BBC, Le Monde, and Al Jazeera.