afrol News, 18 September - United Nations peacekeeping mission has reported heavy fighting on Tuesday between army and rebels in eastern democratic of Congo. Rebels loyal to former general Laurent Nkunda are said to have launched rockets whilst others were using heavy weapons.

According to the mission, fighting took place in Kirotshe, a town near Goma, which has seen several fierce battles in recent days, saying peacekeepers intervened with Congolese troops to ensure safety of civilians.

UN humanitarian agency and international non government organisations are reinstating delivery of necessary medical suppliers and services in north Kivu province of Goma where delivery was disrupted by hostilities in August which has displaced over 100,000 people.

MONUC also said movement of humanitarian personnel and relief workers has affected an existing climate of suspicion, stating that health facilities have also been looted leaving population in risky living conditions.

According to reports, fighting has been one of the worst in more than a year and a violation of the Actes d'engagement signed by parties in January. Hostilities have continued in east despite stabilisation in much of the rest of the vast country, which was torn by years of civil war.

Government approved global disengagement plans provided for Actes, but little is said to have been done to that effect.

"What matters now is action," said Alan Doss, UN envoy in DRC, urging all concerned to redouble their efforts for a return to peace. "This is passing and time is of essence for thousands of displaced people who must return home in full security," he said, adding that armed groups must now be presented the disengagement.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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