The situation in eastern Congo has taken a dramatic turn as the government severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda. The move comes as Rwanda-backed rebels, known as the M23 group, inch closer to the strategic city of Goma, sparking a humanitarian crisis.

Fierce fighting between the rebels and government forces has already claimed the lives of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers. Thousands of civilians are fleeing their homes, desperate to escape the violence. Goma, home to 2 million people, is a critical hub for security and aid efforts in the region.

Congo, along with the U.S. and U.N. experts, accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels. The group, primarily made up of ethnic Tutsis, broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Eastern Congo is rich in minerals but has long been plagued by conflict, with around 100 armed groups vying for control.

Rwanda denies backing the rebels but admitted to having troops in the area to protect its borders. The situation escalated over the weekend when Congo announced it was cutting diplomatic ties and withdrawing its staff from Rwanda.

On the ground, the violence is devastating. Heavy gunfire echoed near Goma as families fled the Kanyaruchinya camp, one of the largest refugee sites in the region. “We’re tired and afraid—our children are at risk of starving,” said Safi Shangwe, a displaced mother heading to Goma. Others, like Adèle Shimiye, worry they won’t find safety anywhere.

The U.N. Security Council held an emergency meeting to address the crisis. Meanwhile, Congo’s army, with help from U.N. peacekeepers and allied forces, managed to repel a recent rebel offensive. However, the conflict shows no signs of ending soon, leaving thousands in limbo and the region on edge.