- International officials have expressed concerns on worsening humanitarian situation in east of Democratic Republic of Congo, saying food, shelter, water and health care must be met through universal provision.
A joint statement on the crisis in Eastern DRC issued by British Foreign Secretary David Miliband and French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, said region is a cause for concern based on its background. "This requires local and international co-operation," staement said.
Statement urged DRC government to take command of its forces, honour its obligations under Nairobi accords, and establish channels of communication with all communities and its neighbours.
Nairobi Agreement also requires active steps from government of Rwanda towards peace and stability restoration in DRC. "And we look to Government there to fulfill its responsibilities," it said.
Mr Miliband and Mr Kouchner said regional states have a vital contribution in promoting peace and human development, thus contributing to political process.
The two officials said demonstrations by African Union and European Union commitment to work together for a regional meeting, is a positive step towards implementation of Nairobi and Goma Accords.
"International community must support humanitarian delivery, strengthen the United Nations force MONUC, and help promote and enforce agreements," said statement.
Meanwhile, European officials warned that 1.6 million displaced people are at risk in east of DRC, with more deployment of armed forces.
Head of mission for UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Gloria Fernandez, said access to rebel-held Rutshuru, in the north of Nord-Kivu province, has been organised following negotiations.
"We have organised a convoy that is going with participation of international NGOs and UN agencies to assist civilains," Ms Fernandez said.
It is estimated that 250,000 civilians have been directly affected by the most recent conflict, particularly in Rutshuru.
Fresh bloody battles in DRC have attracted attention of internation community in recent days with humanitarian crisis said to be going from bad to worse.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.