Congo rebels clash with pro-government militia
Rebel forces and pro-government militia clashed north of Goma
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Wednesday, 05, Nov 2008 02:28
Rebel forces and pro-government militia have clashed to the north of Goma, in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, UN officials said.
The latest clashes between the Mai Mai militia against rebels came as prime minister Adolphe Muzito toured the region meeting some of the thousands of people displaced by the fighting.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) said today's fighting occurred around the town of Kiwanja.
"This is a dangerous and unstable environment and it's going to be challenging to deliver food to where it is needed most," regional WFP director Mustapha Darboe said.
"We need proper security in place to ensure everyone involved is safe and that we reach the most vulnerable."
The WFP added it has begun distributing ten-day rations to more than 135,000 recently displaced people in six camps around Goma.
Rebel leader General Laurent Nkunda has accused Congo's government of breaking a ceasefire declared last week.
He claims he is fighting to protect the Tutsi community from attack by Rwandan Hutu rebels. Since August around 250,000 people have been displaced with refugees fleeing in the wake of the violence.