Fresh violence in DR Congo prompts concern

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- The head of the United Nations is calling for an end to violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo after violence flared in the country on Thursday.

Despite a recently announced cease-fire between DR Congo government forces and the rebel National Congress in Defense of the People led by former general Laurent Nkunda, the United Nations reported outbreaks of fresh violence in the country on Thursday.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on all parties involved in the renewed conflict to end the fighting and allow aid workers to operate safely, the United Nations reported.

"The secretary-general calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of forces to positions held prior to the resumption of fighting," Ban's representative said in a statement.

U.N. officials estimate that approximately 250,000 Congolese have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the violence in the east of the country.