UN deplores renewed fighting in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) today strongly deplored renewed fighting in the eastern part of the country.

In a statement released in Kinshasa, MONUC warned that the clashes, which are taking place notably in the towns of Uvira, Bunia and Mambasa, are putting at risk the ongoing peace process at a time when the withdrawal of foreign troops from the country should be leading to the conclusion of the Inter-Congolese Dialogue.

The renewed fighting, which involves elements of the Maï- Maï as well various rebel groups, is having "incalculable humanitarian consequences," with many civilians fleeing the towns where the fighting is occurring, the Mission said. It called on all parties to immediately end the violence and reaffirming its willingness to help them return as soon as possible to the path of dialogue.