United Nations Radio

United Nations Secretary-General Ban ki-moon has called for the disengagement of forces in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Fighting between rebel fighters and Congolese government forces has forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes.

Speaking at a press conference in Delhi Friday, the Secretary-General noted that the commander of the rebel fighters, Laurent Nkunda has declared a ceasefire and said it should be kept.

He described the situation as threatening with hundreds of thousands of people suffering.

"And the UN has taken immediately necessary assistance. But because of this active fighting situation, we have been limited in providing necessary assistance. Now, with this ceasefire in place, we have already mobilized all necessary humanitarian agencies to provide assistance."

The Secretary-General expressed deep concern about the situation and called on the international community and African leaders, particularly in the region, to take concrete measures to ensure that the ceasefire is maintained.

The Secretary-General said that during his brief visit in India, he has been discussing this crisis with many leaders, including Congolese President Joseph Kabila, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, and Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete who is also the Chairman of the African Union.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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