PEACE talks must begin again urgently in the Democratic Republic of Congo, charities have said, after renewed fighting has forced more civilians to flee their homes, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. It is estimated that 5000 people have fled into Goma.

The latest clashes between the M23 rebels and government troops in Goma came after peace talks between the two sides stalled.

The UN has increased its force in the region with a 3000-strong intervention brigade.

Tearfund's representative in the region, Cedric Perus, said: "The population in North Kivu deserve a chance of peace after years of conflict. Talks between the government and the M23 group mustn't be allowed to fail innocent civilians - rural communities, and vulnerable women and their children."

He called for prayer for the peace talks, and for the Congolese people.

Last week, 70,000 refugees fled into Uganda as a result of violent clashes (News, 19 July).

Christian Aid's humanitarian director, Nick Guttmann, has just returned from visiting the area around Goma. He said that the situation was "extremely volatile".

"People keep being displaced and returning home, and every time they get . . . less able to cope with conflict. . . We are working with people who have been displaced, most of who are living in safer areas with families, and distributing food and non-food items . . . to help families and the people they are living with. But much more is needed."

The only solution to ease the humanitarian crisis would be a peace deal, he said.