Kinshasa, DR CONGO, 14.10.08 - Catholic bishops have expressed distress at the violence that continues to claim lives and displace people in the east and north east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In a message released Monday in Kinshasa, titled: 'More innocent blood in Congo!' the National Conference of Bishops of the Democratic Republic of Congo (CENCO) has expressed concern that these recurring wars in the east and north-east regions become a smoke-shield to cover-up the pillaging of natural resources.

They said: 'A humanitarian tragedy is unfolding before our eyes and no one can remain indifferent. We ask: why this resumption of hostilities when such significant progress was achieved with the signing of the Goma Acts of Engagement? How long will our land be stained with the blood of our sons and daughters?'