M23 rebels say they have taken control of the city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The UN has condemned ‘flagrant disregard’ for the DRC’s sovereignty. 

M23 rebels claim they have taken control of the key eastern DRC city of Goma early Monday.

The rebels had announced the city’s capture in a statement minutes before a 48-hour deadline imposed by the group for the Congolese army to disarm and surrender expired.

M23 urged residents of Goma to remain calm and for Congolese forces to gather at the central stadium.

The claims could not be independently verified.