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[QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23922, member: 2262"]
GOMA, Congo—Congo named Major General Somo Kakule Evariste North Kivu's military chief on Monday, days after rebels seized the key city of Goma.

He takes command after his predecessor, General Peter Cirimani, died fighting M23 rebels last week. The appointment comes as government forces struggle to retake the provincial capital.

"We stay committed to restoring state control and protecting our people," the army said in a statement. It ended with "Homeland or death, we will defeat!"

The new governor faces steep challenges. M23 rebels control large parts of North Kivu, forcing over 400,000 people from their homes. Many fled to Rwanda and nearby cities.

The United States calls M23 a "Rwandan-backed armed group." Congo's leaders blame Rwanda for supporting the rebels, but Rwanda denies this.

North Kivu has lived under military rule since May 2021. The government replaced civilian leaders with army commanders to fight rebels, but violence continued.

Evariste must plan how to retake Goma and defend other towns. He needs to protect civilians and deal with rising tensions between Congo and Rwanda.

The UN reports massive refugee movements as fighting spreads. Aid groups warn of a growing crisis in eastern Congo.

Recent U.S. and British pressure on Rwanda marks growing international concern about the conflict. Yet, peace talks have made little progress.
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