CONGO – The Democratic Republic of Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi is not taking part in regionally brokered talks aimed at ending the rebel assault on the key eastern city of Goma, state media has reported. Kenyan leader William Ruto had invited Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame to a virtual summit, as corpses lay on the streets of Goma following heavy fighting. Neighbouring Rwanda is accused of backing the M23 rebel group, which has taken over much of the city, including its airport. About 280 Romanian mercenaries who were fighting on the side of DR Congo’s army had surrendered to M23, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) said on X. Rwandan government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo told the BBC that Rwanda would take part in the summit, but did not say whether Kagame would attend. The UN says there is extensive evidence that Rwanda is backing the M23 but Rwanda denies giving the rebels direct military support. (BBC)