M23 rebels claim to have seized the important DR Congo city of Goma, a “declaration of war.”

Gunfire echoed across Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), just hours after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed to have seized control of the city, defying calls from the United Nations Security Council to end the offensive.

The situation escalated further on Monday as reports emerged of exchanges of fire between DRC and Rwandan troops along their shared border, raising fears of a rapid escalation in the conflict amid the M23 advance. DRC government spokesman Patrick Muyaya confirmed the presence of Rwandan forces in Goma in a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter.

“The government continues to work to prevent carnage and the loss of human life in light of Rwanda’s evident intentions,” Muyaya said, urging residents to stay indoors and avoid engaging in looting or vandalism.

Earlier in the day, M23 announced its capture of Goma, which the DRC government labeled a “declaration of war” by Rwanda. The United Nations reported widespread “mass panic” among Goma’s two million residents following the rebel group’s announcement. The declaration came shortly before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by M23 for Congolese troops to surrender their weapons. The group also called for calm among Goma’s residents and instructed DRC military personnel to gather at the central stadium.

Two witnesses told Reuters that rebels had entered Goma’s center, with one sharing a video showing heavily armed fighters patrolling the streets, further heightening tensions in the region.