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Thousands of Refugees Flee as Inter-Ethnic Violence Flares in DR Congo

Lisa Schelin

   GENEVA - The United Nations refugee agency reports around 7,500
   Congolese refugees have fled to Uganda this month to escape escalating
   inter-ethnic violence. Officials are screening them closely, not only
   for wounds and injuries, but for any who might be carrying the deadly
   Ebola virus.

   UNHCR reports Congolese refugees are crossing into Uganda at the rate
   of about 300 a day, more than twice as many as in May. Most are fleeing
   across Lake Albert from Ituri province, where renewed clashes between
   the Hema and Lendu groups have displaced a massive 300,000 people this
   month.

   UNHCR spokesman, Andrej Mahecic, said refugees arriving in Uganda speak
   of escaping vicious and extreme brutality in their homeland.

   "Armed groups are said to be attacking villages, torching and looting
   houses, and killing men, women and children," he said, "'¦ Some
   refugees are arriving with significant belongings, fearing they may not
   be able to return to their homes. Others who have fled imminent danger
   have little more than the clothes on their backs. Nearly two-thirds are
   children, i.e., they are below the age of 18."

   Mahecic said Ugandan transit and reception facilities are overwhelmed
   by this huge influx of refugees. He said all those who arrive undergo a
   health screening. He added that many of the refugees need medical care
   for wounds and injuries they may have received while fleeing violence.

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