Congo's government suspends provincial assembly due to security fears

GOMA, Congo – The government of Congo has suspended the provincial assembly in the eastern capital of Goma due to security concerns.

The assembly's rapporteur, Kuba Kahombo, told reporters that Goma's mayor had sent a message to the central government warning of heightened tension in the city ahead of a plenary meeting of the assembly this week.

Kuba said Tuesday that the interior minister sent a message to "postpone the plenary because the security situation was not assured, and saying we should wait until things were under control."

Goma was invaded by rebels from the M23 movement last November, and after intense pressure from the international community, they retreated to positions north of the city. The rebels are now in talks with the government.