In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, M23 rebels' entry into Goma will intensify pressure on President Felix Tshisekedi to engage in talks with the Rwanda-backed group, potentially triggering a political crisis in Kinshasa; but if Tshisekedi instead maintains his stance against negotiations with the group, the conflict could geographically expand and potentially trigger a direct military confrontation with Rwanda. On the night of Jan. 26-27, the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel alliance entered Goma, the provincial capital of Congo's eastern North Kivu province, after effectively besieging the city and capturing the nearby strategic towns of Sake and Minova. According to local reports, Rwandan special forces have been deployed to parts of Goma, where Congolese forces have also allegedly begun surrendering to the M23. However, the situation in the city remains volatile, with Congolese and Rwandan soldiers reportedly clashing near the two countries' shared border on Jan. 27. The M23's rapid advance...
