A rare form of plague has killed at least 61 people around a diamond mine in the remote wilds of north-east Congo.

Widespread fighting between rebel groups in north eastern Congo over the past month has forced more than 155,000 people to flee their homes, an aid group said today.

The United Nations and the Rwandan government today urged refugees from the volcano in eastern Congo to gather in approved camps, where aid agencies could deliver food, water and shelter - but most Congolese just want to go home.