The top United Nations official in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has expressed deep concern about the increasing political tensions in some parts of the Central African country, urging both the majority and opposition sides to reawaken their patriotism.

The United Nations refugee agency has expressed concern about the welfare of tens of thousands of internally displaced people (IDP) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who have been driven out of host sites due to fresh fighting between the Congolese army and rebel forces.

The Security Council today expressed regret over the limited progress in implementing national and regional commitments under the peace, security and cooperation framework for Africa's Great Lakes region, stressing that signatory States must carry out those obligations in order to achieve lasting peace.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is at a critical juncture, with rising political tensions ahead of elections which could lead to violence if left unaddressed, the top United Nations official in the country warned the Security Council today, while highlighting key issues for consideration as it renews the UN's mandate there.