The Algerian general responsible for monitoring the ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken up his post in neighbouring Zambia.

General Lalli Rachid, who was appointed by the Organisation of African Unity, said on arrival in Lusaka that he and his joint military commission hoped to move quickly to implement the ceasefire accord which was signed in the city earlier this month.

One of the commission's early tasks will be to meet Congolese rebel groups which have so far not signed the agreement.

Zambian officials are quoted as saying that the two main rebel groups, the Congolese Rally for Democracy and the Congolese Liberation Movement, are expected in Lusaka this week for a briefing and are expected to sign the truce.