Fleeing Goma.

Congolese residents cross the border into neighboring Rwanda as M23 Rebels claim control of Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Fighters from the M23 group entered Goma after days of clashes with U.N.-backed Congolese soldiers. Tens of thousands of residents fled their homes. A senior U.N. source told Reuters that international peacekeepers gave up defending the city after the Congolese troops evacuated.

Against a backdrop of chaos Democratic Republic Of Congo President, Joseph Kabila offered his assurances as he heads to Uganda which is the mediator in the conflict with eastern rebels.

(SOUNDBITE) (French) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO PRESIDENT, JOSEPH KABILA, SAYING:

"We've already had to live through and overcome similar situations in the past, when the country was divided. But with determination and all of our efforts, and the participation of all the people we were able to reunify the country. We were able to defend what is essential -- our independence and the sovereignty of our country. And certainly that will be the case now, victory is on our side."

Kinshasa has accused Rwanda of orchestrating the insurgency as way to grab hold of the region's mineral wealth.

Rwanda denies the the charges.