Thousands flee DR Congo fighting for Uganda: UNHCR

Most of those crossing the border to escape clashes between militia groups and the Congolese armed forces in the Rutshuru region in the DRC’s North Kivu province include women and children.

ran to escape

Shabia Mantu, UNHCR spokesperson in Geneva, said About 8,000 asylum seekers crossed the city of Bunagana, while another 3000 came through the Kibaya border point in Kisoro District. Both places are located approximately 500 km southwest of Kampala, the capital of Uganda.

“The new arrivals told UNHCR staff that fighting was going on in the villages of Binja, Kinyarugwe and Chanzu,” she said.

“Many people came with cooking utensils, sleeping mats, clothes and livestock, quickly gathered as they fled. Some seem to be returning to the remote areas around the border.”

UNHCR and Uganda are responding to the situation in coordination with district and local authorities. Several partners are also helping, including the World Food Program (wfp)

Ms Mantu said her agency has so far shifted around 500 people to the nearby Nayakbande transit centre, which can accommodate 1,500 people.

urgent need of resources

Asylum seekers are screened COVID-19. They are also registered and given water, food, communal shelter, blankets and other items. A system is also in place to identify and fast-track those in need of emergency assistance.

Although Ugandan’s borders are currently closed to asylum seekers due to restrictions related to the pandemic, Ms Mantu said the government has reimposed a humanitarian exception to allow safe passage for those seeking protection, Which has been appreciated by UNHCR.

“However, we are concerned that local capacity and services may soon be overwhelmed and request urgent resources to meet the needs of new arrivals,” she said.

UNHCR is seeking some $335 million This year for its operations in Uganda, which hosts more refugees than any other country in Africa. Globally, only three countries take in more refugees.

So far only about 45 percent of the amount has been received.