The UN is temporarily relocating non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Saturday without interrupting its operations in the country at a time heightened security concerns.

Top UN officials raised alarm on Sunday over the worsening violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), expressing deep concern about the rapidly deteriorating situation. UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya addressed the UN Security Council in an emergency meeting,

The M23 rebels announced the capture of Goma in a statement minutes before a 48-hour deadline imposed by the group for the Congolese army to surrender their weapons expired.

UNITED NATIONS - Top UN officials expressed concern on Sunday about escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). "The situation is deteriorating rapidly," UN Assistant Secretary-General Joyce Msuya told an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

The Congolese army and peacekeepers are trying to stop an M23 advance on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.

Footage shows troops, some in army uniform, handing over arms to Rwandan security officers after crossing into eastern neighboring country at the main border crossing in Rwanda's Rubavu district - Ana

The United Nations is set to temporarily relocate non-essential staff from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, amidst heightened security

Antonio Guterres urges the M23 rebels to immediately cease all hostile actions as thousands of civilians flee Goma.

Fighting between Congolese forces and Rwandan-backed fighters edged closer to the major city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UN mission in DR Congo, MONUSCO, is relocating administrative staff and others in North Kivu that can continue performing their duties from elsewhere in response to the deteriorating security situation and intensifying hostilities involving the non-State armed group M23, a Rwandan-backed movement fighting against the Congolese Government.

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