Zambia prepares for influx of Congolese refugees

The Zambia Red Cross Society said Wednesday that it had deployed 350 volunteers and staff at border entry points with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in readiness for an influx of refugees.

Tensions are high in DRC following the refusal of President Joseph Kabila to step down after his term expired on Monday midnight. Protests have erupted in major cities, and about 20 people were reportedly killed in Kinshasa, the country's capital.

Bruce Mulenga, public relations manager of the humanitarian organization, said the volunteers have been deployed in eight identified entry points along the border to render assistance to the refugees.

He said the agency has secured emergency response materials such as tents, blankets, mosquito nets and food for those in need at the time of entry and before they are taken to refugee camps.

According to him, the humanitarian organization has provided assistance to over 1,000 refugees from DRC in recent weeks, adding that the number of refugees in need of humanitarian assistance was likely to increase due to increased political instability in that country. Endit