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TENS of thousands of villagers are fleeing fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports children’s charity Plan International.
At least 66,000 refugees have crossed the border from the conflict-hit east of the country into neighbouring Uganda.
The influx was triggered by clashes between DRC’s army and suspected Ugandan Congo-based rebels, the Allied Democratic Forces.
An estimated 400 refugees are making the journey every day, more than half of them children.
The crisis was triggered when rebels overran the town of Kamango two weeks ago.
Security and land in Bundibugyo district has been provided by the Ugandan government for 16,000 refugees.
Thousands more are sheltering in temporary camps close to the border.
The government says its resources are over-stretched and has called on humanitarian organisations to help.
A taskforce from Plan has been deployed to Bundibugyo to assess what help is needed.
“The need for provision of humanitarian assistance is apparently great,” said Henry Aleko, acting country director for Plan International in Uganda, said:
“Plan is very concerned about the deteriorating humanitarian situation which has greatly affected children.
“While the government has sent a team today; it may take some days to get a clear picture of what level of support is needed,” he added.
Much of the eastern part of DRC has been ungovernable for many years and several attempts of pacify the area have met with little success.
The region has been home to numerous foreign and domestic rebel groups, including Joseph Kony’s notorious Lord’s Resistance Army.
Meanwhile, to the south of Kamango in South Kivu province, renewed violence between rebels and the Congolese army could result in new waves of refugees crossing into Uganda and Rwanda.
Last year, there was intense fighting when the M23 rebel group occupied the provincial capital Goma.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
