Rwanda-backed rebels take more towns as they expand control after seizing east Congo's largest city

Rebels backed by Rwanda have captured more towns in eastern Congo as fighters moved beyond the key city of Goma in an apparent attempt to expand their control in the conflict-battered region. The United Nations called the advance into South Kivu concerning. It raised fears of a prolonged occupation by the rebels, who have said they plan to set up a new administration in Goma. Soldiers fighting for Congo — many of them mercenaries from other nations — were laying down their weapons, and Congo's army seemed to be in disarray. President Félix Tshisekedi was not participating in a summit of the regional East African bloc that began late on Wednesday.