Analysis - After nearly three decades of warfare, armed conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) seems only to intensify. The Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion has been at the centre of attention in recent years.

Walking through the crowded streets of the Pakadjuma neighborhood in Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, I am struck by the vibrant atmosphere around me.

South Africa's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, has stated that South Africa will continue to contribute to promoting peace and stability in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and to the continent's overall peacekeeping efforts.

Corneille Nangaa is the public face of a sprawling coalition of Congolese politicians and rebel groups fighting to oust President Felix Tshisekedi.

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday called for UN Security Council sanctions against Rwanda, saying its forces had crossed into Congolese territory in what amounted to a "declaration of war."

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of fuelling the rebellion. At least 13 soldiers serving with peacekeeping forces in the DRC have been killed in clashes with M23 rebels,

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.

The Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday called for the United Nations to sanction Rwanda, accusing its neighbour of issuing a "declaration of war" by sending more troops over the

In the aftermath of its withdrawal from Goma, the M23 suffered a series of heavy defeats at the hands of the Congolese army, which was backed by a multinational force. The M23 were subsequently expelled from the country. M23 fighters then agreed to be re-integrated into the army in return for promises that Tutsis would be protected.

DRC government spokesman confirms the presence of Rwandan army in Goma and says Kinshasha is working to avoid carnage.

Fleeing prisoners streamed from the torched jail as Rwanda-backed rebels claim they have captured the strategic city