United Nations Radio

A UN aid convoy escorted by UN peacekeepers crossed into a rebel-held zone of eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday on a mission to help tens of thousands of civilians displaced by fighting.

The UN convoy brought desperately needed humanitarian assistance to the rebel-held town of Rutshuru as aid agencies began tracking down more than a million people trapped by fighting in the region.

It is the first time that aid agencies have been able to reach Rutshuru since the UN said last week that 50,000 people had gone missing after reports that rebels had looted and burned camps around the town.

The relief convoy is carrying aid workers, medical supplies and water.

Meanwhile, rebel leader Laurent Nkunda is reported to have threatened to force the government out of power if his demands for direct talks with President Kabila are not met.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Natons Radio.

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