DRC/Uganda: Over 22,000 Congolese flee to Uganda

Event

As of Wednesday, February 14, over 22,000 Congolese nationals have fled across Lake Albert to neighboring Uganda since February 5. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a total of 34,000 refugees have been registered in Uganda since the beginning of the year.  Additional refugee arrivals are expected in the country in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Congolese refugees are fleeing ethnic clashes between Hema herders and Lendu farmers in Ituri province (northeast). According to a local humanitarian source, approximately 200,000 people have been displaced since mid-December.

The government's limited role in the eastern provinces, as well as the presence of numerous armed groups and local self-defense militias (Maï-Maï militias), have led to continued insecurity in the area.

Advice

Individuals in Ituri province and Uganda are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all gatherings due to the potential for violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities.