Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Kinshasa (Agenzia Fides)- In the province of north Kivu in the east of Democratic Congo thousands continue to flee the latest outbreak of fighting between government troops, rebels and militia groups which refuse to integrate into the regular army (see Fides 6 September 2007). This was affirmed in a statement issued by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees UNHCR.
UNHCR estimates that between 25,000 and 35,000 Congolese spent the night on 5 September in Ugandan town of Bunagana province of Kisoro on the border with Congo. The next day most of the men returned to Congo to check their homes and property but they left about 12-15,000 women and children with relations or friends living in Bunagana.
UNHCR personnel stationed in the province of north Kivu in Congo, say thousands have fled from the town of Sake and surrounding villages near Goma because of intense fighting.
The number of refugees continues to grow daily. The conditions are desperate with people living in makeshift shelters of leaves and branches or in overcrowded school buildings, or some in the open.
Since access to the region is difficult and limited, UNHCR fears that the reported exodus may be only the tip of the iceberg. There are a total number of 640,000 internally displaced persons in this eastern province of Democratic Congo.
During conversations with the latest arrivals, UNHCR personnel and partner NGOs identified cases of rape and victims of torture. UNHCR was also told about killings of civilians. These acts are serious violations of international humanitarian law. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 8/9/2007 righe 29 parole 335)
