Congo rebels capture city of Goma

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo claimed control of eastern city Goma and its airport. Source: AAP

REBELS in the Democratic Republic of Congo have seized the key eastern city of Goma amid warnings of a humanitarian catastrophe, with the United Nations and others reporting killings, abductions, looting and extortion of civilians.

Locals, however, cheered and applauded two vehicles full of rebels as they drove around the city centre after fighters of the M23 movement marched into the city facing little resistance.

Witnesses reported that rebel chief Sultani Makenga had arrived in the capital of mineral-rich North Kivu province, capping a week-long advance by the M23.

In a radio broadcast, rebel spokesman Vianney Kazarama appealed for calm and ordered police and government soldiers to surrender on Wednesday morning at Goma's football stadium.

While the rebels claimed to have captured both the city and its airport, a UN spokesman said peacekeepers were in control of the airport and that UN forces were still on patrol in the city.

The UN has around 1500 "quick reaction" peacekeepers in Goma, part of about 6700 troops in North Kivu province, backing government forces against the rebels.

The UN defended its peacekeepers after Goma fell, saying a battle for the city would have put civilians at risk.

"Fifteen hundred in a city of a million, there has to be a value judgment made," said UN deputy spokesman Eduardo del Buey.

"Do you open fire and put civilians at risk or do you hold your fire, continue your patrols, observe what is happening and remind the M23 that they are subject to international humanitarian and human rights law."

The UN Security Council late on Tuesday unanimously backed a resolution calling for sanctions against two M23 leaders.

The resolution, proposed by France, also demanded an end to foreign support for the rebels. UN experts have said M23 has received military aid and fighters from Rwanda, which denies the charge.

The resolution called on the UN sanctions committee for DR Congo to "urgently" review the cases of M23 leaders Innocent Kaina and Baudouin Ngaruye and other potential targets.

The Security Council also expressed deep concern at reports of "external support" to M23 "through troop reinforcement, tactical advice and the supply of equipment".

The council demanded an immediate end to all "outside support" to the rebels, and called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to report in days on who is providing help to the rebels who launched their rebellion in April.

Ban issued a new condemnation of "grave" human rights violations by the rebels.

"Reports indicate that the M23 has wounded civilians, is continuing abductions of children and women, is destroying property and is intimidating journalists and those who have attempted to resist their control," spokesman Del Buey told reporters.

Retreating government troops have also been accused of looting.

Ban vowed on Sunday that peacekeepers would stay in Goma, after UN combat helicopters and government troops failed to stop the rebel advance.

The rebels have been blamed for hundreds of deaths since they launched their uprising in April. UN experts have accused neighbouring Rwanda and Uganda of backing the M23, a charge both countries deny.

Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes or refugee camps around Goma, a city of about one million that is sheltering tens of thousands of refugees.

DR Congo President Joseph Kabila meanwhile urged people to defend the nation's sovereignty.

In a televised address to the nation, he alluded to Rwanda's alleged role in the conflict.

"DR Congo is today confronted with a difficult situation," Kabila said. "When a war is imposed, one has an obligation to resist. I ask that the entire population defend our sovereignty."

The rebels on Tuesday also took control of the border posts between Goma and Gisenyi, the town on the Rwandan side of the border, an AFP journalist said.

In Gisenyi, people seemed relieved at the rebel takeover.

"They welcomed them with cheers because the government soldiers had fled," leaving a security vacuum, said a man who had fled Goma and who gave his name only as Alain.

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