Recent fighting in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to thousands fleeing their homes, the AFP news agency reports quoting security and militia sources.
The clashes, which broke out on Wednesday, took place in South Kivu, near the border with Burundi, AFP adds.
It says that the conflict is between a local militia, called Biloze Bishambuke, and combatants from the Tutsi Congolese community known as the Banyamulenge.
One militia spokesman told the news agency that fighting continued on Thursday.
A military spokesman said that 5,000 people have been forced from their homes.
A fortnight ago, President Félix Tshisekedi announced a “state of siege” in two other provinces in the east – North Kivu and Ituri – which have been wracked by violence.
This should allow a more forceful military response.
BBC News Africa
