United Nations Radio

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, more and more civilians are fleeing the troubled Equateur province in the north west of the country.

Congolese refugees

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, says the refugees are crossing into neighboring Republic of Congo.

It is estimated that 84,000 refugees have arrived since early November when inter-ethnic violence broke out in the Equateur province. UNHCR spokesman Andre Mahecic said the latest arrivals included people with fresh gunshot wounds, and nine rape cases, including 3 girls under the age of 18.

"Together with our partners we are trying to cope with the influx but aid reserves are running low as the number of refugees mushrooms and current needs overcome the actual resources. In addition, humanitarian agencies are facing considerable logistical obstacles as the entire refugee population is scattered along a five hundred kilometer stretch on the banks of the Oubangui River."

With refugees living in overcrowded conditions, health risks are high. UNHCR has helped put in place nine health centres in areas where the refugees are concentrated and is also running mobile clinics for the more remote areas.

Diane Bailey, United Nations
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