Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bujumbura (Fides Service)- More than one thousand Congolese refugees in Burundi are on the border waiting for permission to return to Democratic Congo but the UNHCR says the situation is still too insecure.
A first group of 406 people reached the border on Wednesday 6 October from Gatumba transit camp in the area of the Burundian capital Bujumbura. The camp was attacked in August. On October 7 this first group was joined by 700 refugees from Karurama transit camp.
The Congolese army and the national authorities asked all refugees to stay in Burundi until measures had been taken to establish security. Today 9 October the Vice minister of internal affairs Paul Musafiri Naluango said they may return.
However, after visiting the border area to verify the situation the UN High Commission for Refugees UNHCR has called on national authorities and UN Missions in both Burundi and in Congo to make every effort to guarantee security for refugees waiting repatriation. Two weeks ago in Uvira - in east Democratic Congo - local people staged protests against the return of 365 refugees from Burundi. The group was settled around the town under the protection of the UN mission in D. Congo MONUC and then moved to other parts of the country.
In June this year some 20 thousand people fled to Burundi to escape a fresh outburst of fighting in southern Kivu. After Gatumba transit centre was attacked in August, the Burundian authorities advised refugees to move to more interior areas where is it easier to guarantee protection. With the help of the UNHCR the refugees moved to Gihinga camp in Mwaro province. The camp was opened on 23 September has at least 1,300 refugees. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 9/10/2004 righe 33 parole 400)
