Horror in the east of DR Congo

Horror in the east of DR Congo

Fighting in the Congo is supposed to be over. Yet a number of ceasefires, the latest signed in January, have failed to stop the violence.

Rebels and government forces still fight despite the ceasefire
Every day hundreds of people are killed as militia groups continue to wage war on government forces as well as each other.
Over the last year 800,000 people have fled their homes despite the presence of the world's largest United Nations peacekeeping force, which is now thinking of reducing its numbers.
Our Correspondent, Mike Thomson, returns to the region one year on.
Be aware that his reports contain graphic descriptions of violence and stories of people's suffering.

UN forces attempt to stem the fighting in eastern Congo
Listen Listen here (7 mins 22 secs)
In this, the second of his reports, Mike hears first hand testimony from one of the victims of the atrocities, a boy called Elisha.
Listen Listen here (6 mins 56 secs)
Next, Mike meets a 15-year-old boy who recently escaped after being abducted on his way home from school.
Listen Listen here (7 mins 21 secs)
In his final report, Mike reports on what is often described as a "culture of impunity" in Congo. The most serious crimes are often not punished at all, and when they are, rapists can receive a mere $50 fine and murderers as little as a week in prison.
Listen Listen here (7 mins 58 secs)
First broadcast 23-25 April 2008