afrol News, 23 September - Renewed fighting between rebels and Democratic Republic of Congo army has been reported, despite calls for ceasefire in northern Kivu province.

According to UN, fighting took place close to Goma capital near town of Sake, 20 kilometers from North Kivu province.

"We estimate around 100 000 people have been displaced since fighting was renewed on 28 August," said Christophe Illemassene, spokesperson for UN humanitarian co-ordination office.

Laurent Nkunda who is leading Congolese forces and rebels, a renegade Tutsi general, began their latest session of fighting late last month when a January peace deal aimed at ending more than 10 years of violence collapsed.

Soldiers blasted Mr Nkunda's hilltop positions with rockets, heavy guns and helicopter gunships on Monday, reports revealed.

United Nations and other international mediators have urged all sides to withdraw to their initial positions and return to talks, but with little effect.

However fighting was hampering aid efforts and UN staff was unable to move freely, said to officials, adding that UN blue helmets have come under direct threat during fighting, after members of FARDC set up positions near a MONUC base in Kimoka a small town 2 km east of Sake.

"Our forces pushed rebels back yesterday from Sake towards Mushaki," said Major Omar Selamani adding that bodies of about 20 rebel fighters had been seen by road outside Sake.

"These new clashes would have a dramatic impact on civilians," said UN recalling that 1,3-million people have been displaced by fighting.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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