United Nations Radio

Tensions are rising and new displacement is being reported in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

displaced children in the Congo

This follows last week's start of a joint Congolese-Rwandan military operation against the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda -FDLR militia group located in North Kivu.
The UN refugee agency (UNHCR) says about 5,000 people have fled the Makobola area after the so-called Mai-Mai militia which opposes the offensive, blocked a main road.
UNHCR Spokesman Ron Redmond:

"The threat of this new conflict in South Kivu also threatens to impede the repatriation of Congolese refugees from neighboring Tanzania. Makobola is a major destination for returnees from exile in Tanzania. We are concerned that the growing tensions and the blockage could force more displacement."

UNHCR is also reporting that the number of Rwandans opting to return home from the DRC is also rising.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.
(duration: 59")