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Hundreds of Thousands Flee Ethnic Violence in DRC's Ituri Province

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA - The U.N. refugee agency reports an upsurge of inter-communal
   violence in northeastern DR Congo's Ituri province has forced more than
   300,000 people this month to flee for their lives.

   The Hema and Lendu ethnic groups in Ituri province have been going to
   war with each other sporadically over land use since 1999. Inter-ethnic
   fighting between the two communities in late 2017 and early 2018 was
   marked by widespread displacement and abuse.

   But the calm that had taken hold over the past year has broken down
   again with the recent flare-up of fighting. The U.N. refugee agency
   reports masses of people are fleeing attacks and counterattacks in
   three of Ituri province's five administrative territories.

   UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch says humanitarian agencies are unable to
   reach the victims in most of the affected areas.

   "UNHCR fears this escalation could engulf large parts of the province.
   We are gravely concerned for the safety of civilians after receiving
   reports of killings, kidnappings, maiming and sexual violence being
   unleashed against people," Baloch said.

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