Trouble in the Great Lakes far from over

Refugees from DRC in Congo-Brazzaville. Trouble in the African Great Lakes Region is far from over. Violence from various rebel groups, as well as fear from governments' troops, is causing people from all over the region to flee to safety in neighbouring districts or countries.

IRT has reported on numerous occasions about refugees fleeing from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to our projects in southern Sudan. However, other countries are being flooded with DRC refugees as well.

The UNHCR estimates over 120.000 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have fled into the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville. It is almost certain that thousands will follow.

Many refugees are badly traumatised and fear for their lives if they return. They hardly distinguish between rebel groups and the government's troops; both groups are greatly feared. Many claim the DRC government is targetting specific ethnic groups.

The refugees have settled in over ninety different locations along the Ubangi River on the DRC and Congo-Brazzaville border. The local population as well as the charities and aid agencies are overwhelmed by this endless flow of refugees.

The refugee crisis in the DRC started three months ago. The situation remains alarming. The UNHCR claims that barely 20 percent of the basic needs of refugees is is being met.

The situation in the camps is grim, as the majority of the refugees are not receiving any aid.
Have a look at the report by Al Jazeera on the situation in the Congo-Brazzaville refugee camps.