UNHCR alarmed by surge of violence in DRC

GENEVA, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR, said Tuesday it was alarmed by a recent surge in violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) that had driven large numbers of people to flee eastwards to neighboring Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda.

"Thousands of children, women and men have abandoned their homes, in the midst of intensified military operations against Mai Mai armed groups in South Kivu province," said UNHCR spokesperson Babar Baloch at a UN briefing.

Since last week, almost 7,000 people have crossed to neighboring Burundi and an additional 1,200 to Tanzania.

It is believed that many more are displaced inside South Kivu in difficult conditions.

"Refugees we have spoken to say they fled forced recruitment, direct violence, and other abuses by armed groups. Others say they fled in anticipation of military operations and out of fear," said Baloch.

The UNHCR spokesperson said it was imperative that people fleeing the violence were allowed safe passage, as well as humanitarian access.

Refugees seeking to reach Burundi are mainly crossing Lake Tanganyika on small fishing boats.

But reception conditions at Nyanza Lac and Rumonge where they arrive are sparse, with extremely limited shelter, drinking water, and food, said UNHCR.

Refugees are being transferred to already-crowded transit centers and camps in Burundi's north and east.

UNHCR said was grateful to neighboring countries for hosting the DRC refugees, and urged them to keep their borders open to those fleeing conflict. Enditem