UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called for an immediate ceasefire today to urgently help “at least 100,000 refugees” cut off by fighting in rebel-held areas in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Armed groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo have attacked a school to recruit child soldiers, Save the Children said today.

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo fought pro-government militiamen for a second day in the town of Kiwanja today, forcing thousands to flee.

UN aid convoy delivered vital medical supplies to Congo refugees today for the first time since fighting began weeks ago.

The first humanitarian convoy to go behind rebel lines since violence erupted in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo more than two months ago set off today.

The European Union is proposing a UN-organised summit of the nations bordering eastern Congo, and says Rwanda and Congo would attend such a meeting.

International envoys converged on eastern Congo to help end some of the worst violence in years as thousands of anxious, hungry refugees struggled to get home amid a fragile ceasefire.

Helen O’Neill, of Médecins Sans Frontières, describes the deteriorating situation in Congo and stresses the need for the violence to stop, so the growing humanitarian crisis can be managed.

United Nations secretary general Ban Ki-moon urged Congo’s government to get control of its troops in the African nation’s conflict-wracked east and help beleaguered peacekeepers protect thousands of civilians.

WIDE-EYED and bewildered, Janviere looks up from his hospital bed.

The UN confirmed today that Rwandan troops have crossed the border into Congo in pursuit of rebel forces and was investigating reports that villages had been set ablaze.

A second volcano in northeastern Congo has begun showing signs of life a week after its partner erupted.