South Africa Sends Top Official to Help Defend Congo City.
GOMA, DR Congo - South Africa's defense chief is in Congo. She wants to help stop rebels from taking a key city.
Angie Motshekga arrived on January 22. She will stay until the 25th. Her visit shows that South Africa cares about peace in the area.
South Africa has sent troops to Congo. They are part of a group from other southern African countries. The group is called SADC.
SADC forces are in Sake. They are helping Congo's army fight rebels who want to take over Goma, an important business center.
The rebels are called M23. Some people say Rwanda is helping them. Rwanda says this is not true.
"Sake is the last stop before Goma," said a Congolese soldier. "We are doing all we can to hold the line."
Many people are running away from Sake and going to Goma, which is making things difficult in Goma.
Goma is also having problems with no power. The electricity stopped working on January 22.
"We already have trouble with safety," said Carine Mangaza, who lives in Goma. "No power makes it even worse."
Businesses are also struggling. They worry about losing money.
Minister Motshekga's trip is meant to make the troops feel better and show Congo that South Africa supports them.
Congo's president wants other countries to do more. He wants them to punish Rwanda and provide more help for his army.
A general visited soldiers near the fighting. He told people in Goma to stay calm.
"The people must be brave," the general said. "We will defend our city. But we need their help during this hard time."
The fighting is getting closer to Goma. People are very scared about what might happen next.
GOMA, DR Congo - South Africa's defense chief is in Congo. She wants to help stop rebels from taking a key city.
Angie Motshekga arrived on January 22. She will stay until the 25th. Her visit shows that South Africa cares about peace in the area.
South Africa has sent troops to Congo. They are part of a group from other southern African countries. The group is called SADC.
SADC forces are in Sake. They are helping Congo's army fight rebels who want to take over Goma, an important business center.
The rebels are called M23. Some people say Rwanda is helping them. Rwanda says this is not true.
"Sake is the last stop before Goma," said a Congolese soldier. "We are doing all we can to hold the line."
Many people are running away from Sake and going to Goma, which is making things difficult in Goma.
Goma is also having problems with no power. The electricity stopped working on January 22.
"We already have trouble with safety," said Carine Mangaza, who lives in Goma. "No power makes it even worse."
Businesses are also struggling. They worry about losing money.
Minister Motshekga's trip is meant to make the troops feel better and show Congo that South Africa supports them.
Congo's president wants other countries to do more. He wants them to punish Rwanda and provide more help for his army.
A general visited soldiers near the fighting. He told people in Goma to stay calm.
"The people must be brave," the general said. "We will defend our city. But we need their help during this hard time."
The fighting is getting closer to Goma. People are very scared about what might happen next.
