For far too long, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been a forgotten crisis on the global stage, overshadowed by conflicts that are deemed more politically expedient for Western engagement.

The Democratic Republic of Congo called for the withdrawal of M23 rebels as well as Rwandan forces from the eastern city of Goma.

The United Nations confirmed on Friday that at least 700 people have died in fierce fighting in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, since Sunday.

There is growing international pressure for peace talks to resolve the escalating violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Rebels say they have taken control of the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, although this has been denied by the government.

Fierce fighting continues between government forces and M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo.