Rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have captured the country’s largest eastern city, Goma, in their ongoing fight with government troops. Aid groups say they have temporarily suspended operations in several areas following violence that’s caused the displacement of thousands of people. At the United Nations, aid officials warned the conflict between the DRC government and M23 rebels is endangering civilians.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: ”OCHA and the humanitarian community working there in the Kivu provinces in eastern Congo are extremely concerned about the impact of the escalating fighting is having on the protection of civilians and their displacement. We’re also concerned that humanitarian operations are increasingly difficult to carry out.”

Adrian Edwards, spokesperson for the United Nations high commissioner for refugees: “The M23 rebel advance has prompted many people to flee towards Goma and Rwanda, and a major IDP camp at Kanyaruchinya has been virtually emptied. Previously there were around 60,000 people there.”