MASSIVE DISPLACEMENT OF POPULATION REPORTED IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

MASSIVE DISPLACEMENT OF POPULATION REPORTED IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

(Translated from French.)

KINSHASA, 4 May (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) -- The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Herbet M’cleod, expressed concern regarding the latest developments taking place in the Ruzizi valley in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  According to the humanitarian community in the field, armed clashes between the Interahamwe and the FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) have led to massive displacement of population.  It is estimated that 25,000 persons have fled the violent fighting that took place on the 17, 23 and 27 of April.  The towns of Sange and Luberizi are homes to most of the displaced persons. 

To date, the most urgent humanitarian needs have been met.  The non–profit organization Caritas/Uvira received some supplies from the World Food Program (WFP) and other material from the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).  The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and non-governmental organizations involved in the health and water sectors are actively working in the field.

For further information, contact the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Democratic Republic of the Congo, tel: (+243) 88 45 573 or 98 60 44 41 or 99 81 875, (+871) 762 904 845/48, fax:  +871 762 904 846, e-mail: ochadrc@un.org

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