Goma is the capital of the conflict-battered North Kivu province, whose minerals are critical to much of the world’s technology. By capturing Goma, the rebels and their Rwandan allies would gain control of key border crossings, transport routes and a major airport – all of which are crucial to the lucrative mineral trade.

M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo were reported to have taken the key eastern city of Goma in fierce fighting with government forces that sent streams of refugees fleeing area communities.