A "large number" of peacekeepers have been killed and wounded in an attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the UN's peacekeeping chief said.

Soldiers and rebel forces suffered heavy casualties as they fought for a fifth day near the city of Goma, a doctor near the frontline said.

THREE main militia groups in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have agreed to lay down their arms ahead of historic elections this weekend, the UN said yesterday.

CONGOLESE and Rwandan officials announced they had reached an agreement to end a four-year war in Congo that has claimed more than 2 million lives, but rebel leaders warned that peace could remain elusive.