The latest reports from the north-west of Rwanda point to continuing security problems, particularly around Rwewere and Mutura.

These two small towns or communes, like many others in this part of the country, have been the scene of recent attacks by Interahamwe militias.

Fighters loyal to the former regime are still operating from bases in the hills and volcanoes close to the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. The attacks may be sporadic but they have ensured that the north-west remains a war zone.

There are large numbers of government troops in the area and there are thousands of displaced people - mainly Hutu peasants - whose support the government has struggled to gain not least because of excesses committed by its own forces in trying to wipe out the militias.

Civilian casualties in the latest incidents are being treated at the hospital in Gisenyi.