Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office (OCHA), told a briefing in Geneva colleagues had reported “heavy small arms fire and mortar fire across the city and the presence of many dead bodies in the streets”.

Kenya has announced a virtual crisis summit, but Congolese state media says President Felix Tshisekedi will not attend.

President William Ruto, in his role as chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amid the worsening conflict.

Amid tragic escalation of violence in Congo, Bishop Willy Ngumbi Ngengele of Goma has assured the people of the church's closeness and compassion, as rebels entered the eastern city of Goma, forcing thousands to flee and triggering wave of looting and deaths.

Jambojet, Kenya's budget airline, has suspended flights between Nairobi and Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), due to escalating conflict and the closure of Goma's airspace.

In the capital, Kinshasa, protesters complaining of a lack of international action attacked foreign embassies, including those of the U.S., France and Rwanda.

The rebels, which Rwanda denies supporting, have long been funded at least in part by the illicit mineral trade.

Gunfire broke out on Sunday night in the centre of the besieged Congolese city Goma after the Democratic Republic of Congo accused neighbouring Rwanda of sending more troops across the

Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority in the east, where Rwanda-backed

"Kenya and Egypt have signed the Joint Declaration for a Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership. By appending my and President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's signatures, we have elevated our relationship and strengthened our ties to boost our engagements in various fields," he said.

President William Ruto has inked 12 deals with the Egyptian government to elevate the bilateral relations between the two countries.