National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) capture a key military base

Laurent Nkunda's National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) captured a key military base, located approximately 31 mi/50 km north of Goma, on 8 October 2008. The Ramangabo military base and all of its weapons are now under rebel control. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) military officers confirmed the capture after several clashes between the two forces have occurred since fighting broke out earlier in the week. The U.N. reported that 16 rebel fighters have died in the fighting since 6 October; the DRC military puts the figure closer to 60 rebel fighters killed with an additional 50 injured. Meanwhile, the DRC accused Rwanda of sending troops across the border on 8 October. The North Kivu provincial governor claimed that Rwandese soldiers crossed the border on 6 October and have been assisting Nkunda's rebel forces' advance toward Goma. Rwanda, however, adamantly denies the accusations, stating that they are mere fabrications to justify the DRC's inability to put down rebel activity in the east. Fighting between the rebels and the DRC soldiers resumed on 28 August, violating a January 2008 ceasefire. At least 100,000 people have fled the region as a result of the resumed violence.