In pictures: Panic grips Congo

There's been panic in the city of Goma in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo as Tutsi rebel forces continue their advance.

Our correspondent says there was a "stampede" as thousands poured into Goma on the third day of fighting, fleeing violence to the north.

Congolese army troops have been battling against Tutsi rebels loyal to the renegade general, Laurent Nkunda.

But even Congolese soldiers have begun withdrawing in the face of the rebel advance, adding to people's fears and insecurity.

The UN has 17,000 troops in DR Congo - the world's largest peacekeeping force - but President Kabila has called for more.

Thousands live in makeshift camps, but Gen Nkunda says he is fighting to protect the minority Tutsis from the Hutu militia which carried out the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.

Despite accusations by the Congolese president, Rwanda denies it has anything to do with the conflict.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Next