Humanitarian situation in Equateur “critical”

DRC government troops meanwhile continue to oppose Jean-Pierre Bemba’s MLC in the northwest Equateur province, with the possibility of renewed hostilities in the Ikela region. Government forces continue to threaten Libenge and Gemena, with reports of heavy fighting in the Kabalo sector along the Lulaba river, the sources said. Humanitarian workers in the area, trying to assist tens of thousands of refugees fleeing the DRC fighting, report that government forces appear to be attempting to drive the local population away from crucial areas along the Ubangui river, between RoC and DRC. The DRC troops are moving northwards up the river, reportedly armed with heavy equipment including gunboats. The humanitarian situation along this river - the lifeline of the local community - is described as critical.