DRC clashes cause refugee influx |
FELIX BASIIME |
MBARARA
FRESH fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked off a new exodus of about 140 Congolese refugees who have entered Ugandas border districts of Kanungu and Kisoro. The 2nd Division Army Spokesman, Lt. Chris Magezi, said fresh fighting between local militia groups had erupted about 20kms inside DR Congo in Nyakakoma and Nyamirima, a landing site at Lake Edward. Our forces at the border can hear motor sounds from DRC very well. About 70 people have fled into Kanungu this week and a similar number has settled in Kisoro, he said. Magezi said reports coming from DR Congo indicated that the Lendu militia attacked and drove RCD-Goma rebel forces out of Nyakakoma and Nyamirima areas. This is forcing the people to flee to Uganda and some have even entered Queen Elizabeth National Park. But we are screening everybody that enters Uganda. They are still crisscrossing at the border, Magezi said. We are trying not to allow more refugees in Uganda and we are alert to block any bad elements from taking advantage of the situation, Magezi said. Last Saturday night, armed thugs looted shops in Kanungu and fled back into DR Congo. The government of DR Congo President Joseph Kabila has been battling various rebel factions and local militias who have made the eastern part of the country insecure. Peace has eluded DRCs eastern region since the civil war broke out there about seven years ago. |
__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com
_______________________________________________ Ugandanet mailing list Ugandanet@kym.net http://kym.net/mailman/listinfo/ugandanet % UGANDANET is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/