The Red Cross said fierce fighting between government and rebel forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused a humanitarian catastrophe.



Diplomatic efforts are under way to end the crisis, which has threatened to spill over into neighbouring Rwanda.



A tense ceasefire is holding in the eastern city of Goma, where tens of thousands fled as rebels advanced.



Rebel leader General Laurent Nkunda has threatened to take the city unless UN peacekeepers guarantee the ceasefire.