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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23743, member: 2262"] DRC Confirms Death of North Kivu Military Governor. GOMA, Democratic Republic of Congo - The DRC has confirmed the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami. He was the military governor of North Kivu. Cirimwami died from injuries he got near the front line between Goma and Sake. The Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) announced his death on Friday in Kinshasa. It comes as M23 rebels step up their attack toward Goma. This raises fears of a regional crisis. Major General Cirimwami was coordinating the defense against M23. He was badly hurt on Thursday while visiting troops. He was taken to Kinshasa for treatment. But he died from his wounds. "He fell with a weapon in his hands," the FARDC statement said. This shows his active role on the battlefield. His death is a big loss for the DRC's military efforts. It comes at a critical time in the fight to protect Goma. The death of Cirimwami happens during heavy fighting in Sake. Sake is a key town just 20 kilometers from Goma. It is the last major defensive spot before the city. M23 rebels say they are moving to "liberate" Goma. They have taken over large areas. This forces Congolese troops and their Southern African Development Community (SADC) partners to mount a desperate defense. The FARDC, with SADC troops including South Africans, has sent helicopters, heavy artillery, and special forces. They want to stop the M23 advance. The rebels' capture of Sake has increased the risk of an attack on Goma, a strategic hub for eastern DRC. UN Secretary-General António Guterres is alarmed by the new M23 offensive. He warned of a "devastating toll" on civilians. He said there is a growing chance of a regional conflict. He called on M23 to stop its offensive right away. He wants them to leave all occupied areas. He said they must follow the ceasefire agreement signed on July 31, 2024. The UN chief also raised concerns about claims that Rwanda supports M23. A UN Group of Experts report found Rwandan troops in Congo. Rwanda denies the accusations. But the issue continues to strain relations in the region. President Félix Tshisekedi was promoting a climate initiative in Davos. But he has returned to Kinshasa to address the growing crisis. Tshisekedi led an urgent meeting of the Superior Council of Defence. He ordered tough action against the rebels. The UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO says recent clashes have displaced over 250,000 people. Thousands are fleeing toward Goma, Kalehe, and Rusayo. The humanitarian situation in Goma is getting worse. A power outage that began earlier this week has left large parts of the city in darkness. Guterres restated MONUSCO's promise to protect civilians and called for all parties to respect international humanitarian law. This would ensure safe access for aid workers to help affected populations. [/QUOTE]

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