Congo rebels extend stay in Goma

Goma, Congo: A rebel spokesman says that his fighters have delayed their departure from Goma by 48 hours for "logistical reasons," defying for a second time an ultimatum set by neighboring African countries.

M23 Lt. Col. Vianney Kazarama said, "We will be out of Goma on Sunday, and will go back to our initial positions in Kibumba."

The bloc representing the nations bordering Congo had issued a Friday deadline for the fighters to retreat, after the rebels had thumbed their nose at an earlier ultimatum. Kazarama's announcement shows that the rebels are dragging their feet and suggests they may not leave at all.

The rebels are widely believed to be supported by Rwanda. A United Nations Group of Experts report argued that Rwanda is trying to annex territory in mineral-rich eastern Congo.