Militia retake northeastern town of Bunia in DR of Congo - UN

After sporadic weekend firefights between rival militia in northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), two Hema groups joined forces and retook the town of Bunia today, according to the United Nations mission in the country.

The rival Lendu clan offered little resistance and the UN Organization Mission in the DRC, which is patrolling the town, reported low casualties, UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said in New York.

"The UN Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Roberto Martinelli of Italy, negotiated the withdrawal of the two forces, and the situation remained stable until this morning," Mr. Eckhard, said adding that in a brief but violent clash on Saturday, "at least 12 people were killed, including three babies, at the home of a leading Hema political figure."

The town of Bunia, in the volatile, gold-rich Ituri Province, has been the scene of bloody violence for months. The warring Hema and Lendu - vying for control of the town in the wake of the withdrawal of Ugandan troops - have clashed repeatedly over the past two weeks. Last week, fighting between the two groups left five dead, countless others wounded and a number of buildings, including UN offices looted.

On Friday, thousands of students and militia stormed the UN Mission's compound in Bunia, slightly injuring the UN sector commander in a machete attack. The mob was dispersed by UN troops firing shots into the air, but it returned to lay siege to the compound soon after.

The Security Council immediately condemned the attacks, and called on all parties to cease aggressions. On Saturday, Secretary-General Kofi Annan issued a statement expressing his alarm at the situation in Bunia, calling on the Government of Uganda to use its influence with the militias to maintain calm and on the international community "to make every effort to quickly address this dire situation."

Between 8,000 and 10,000 internally displaced persons have taken refuge with the UN, most at a compound near the airport. The UN fed those people today and is bringing in fresh water and medicines for them, Mr. Eckhard said.

Speaking to the press following consultations earlier today, the Council’s President, Ambassador Munir Akram of Pakistan, said members of the 15-nation body had discussed the “very disturbing” situation in the Ituri region, and particularly in Bunia. “The Council is seized of this very serious matter,” he said, adding that “all options were being explored” and the risks and challenges were being weighed in an effort see how the Council could best respond.