Thousands of Refugees Flee as Inter-Ethnic Violence Flares in DR Congo
An estimated 7,500 Congolese refugees fled to Uganda this month to escape violence between the Hema and Lendu groups
GENEVA — The United Nations refugee agency reports around 7,500 Congolese refugees have fled to Uganda this month to escape escalating inter-ethnic violence. Officials are screening them closely, not only for wounds and injuries, but for any who might be carrying the deadly Ebola virus. UNHCR reports Congolese refugees are crossing into Uganda at the rate of about 300 a day, more than twice as many as in May. Most are fleeing across Lake Albert from Ituri province, where renewed clashes between the Hema and Lendu groups have displaced a massive 300,000 people this month. UNHCR spokesman, Andrej Mahecic, said refugees arriving in Uganda speak of escaping vicious and extreme brutality in their homeland. “Armed groups are said to be attacking villages, torching and looting houses, and killing men, women and children," he said, "... Some refugees are arriving with significant belongings, fearing they may not be able to return to their homes. Others who have fled imminent danger have little more than the clothes on their backs. Nearly two-thirds are children, i.e., they are below the age of 18.” Mahecic said Ugandan transit and reception facilities are overwhelmed by this huge influx of refugees. He said all those who arrive undergo a health screening. He added that many of the refugees need medical care for wounds and injuries they may have received while fleeing violence. They also are screened for the Ebola virus. Ituri along with North Kivu province in the northeastern DRC is in the midst of a devastating Ebola epidemic. “The screening is in place obviously at the points where the refugees are crossing in order to check their condition and to obviously identify those who might be potentially infected by the virus. We have had no such cases,” he told VOA. Mahecic said shelter and basic relief items are urgently needed. He said many refugees also need immediate psycho-social counseling to help them deal with their traumatic experiences. Unfortunately, he said humanitarian agencies are unable to provide the needed assistance because they are broke. He said the international community has donated only 17 percent of the $150 million U.N. appeal for refugee aid in Uganda.