THE United Nations World Food Programme reported widespread looting of food stores and warehouses in the key Congolese city of Goma today.

News of the deteriorating situation in Goma came a day after the country’s President Felix Tshisekedi called for a massive military mobilisation to help fight Rwanda-backed rebels who were attempting to seize more territory in the country’s east.

In his first public remarks since the M23 rebels advanced into eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, on Monday, President Tshisekedi late on Wednesday vowed “a vigorous and co-ordinated response” to push back the rebels while reaffirming his commitment to a peaceful resolution.