VOA标准英语10月-Thousands Flee Rebels In Congo
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The U.N. refugee agency reports more than 50,000 people have been forced to flee their homes by fighting in the Ituru region in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Lisa Schlein reports for VOA from UNHCR headquarters in Geneva.U.N. refugee spokesman Ron Redmond says aid workers only have access to the displaced that have fled to Dungu, a town just south of the DRC border with Sudan, and surrounding villages.
He says fighting between the Congolese army and the rebel Lord's Resistance Army has caused heavy loss of life. "The rebels have caused widespread destruction of houses and public buildings," he said. "Local authorities in the area say that the bodies of some 100 civilians1 were reportedly dumped in a river, while 80 children are reported missing. Parents fear they have been forcefully recruited by the LRA."
This is a tactic2 commonly used by the rebel movement that has been fighting with the Ugandan government for more than two decades.
During that time it has kidnapped thousands of children, forced them to become soldiers and used the girls as sex slaves. The rebels also have forced more than two million people from their homes.
Peace negotiations3 between the Lord's Resistance Army and Kampala have broken down. The rebels shifted their activities to the Congo after they were ousted4 from their base in southern Sudan.
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| Renegade General Laurent Nkunda (File) |
Redmond says the newly displaced who have gone to Dungu and the surrounding area have found shelter with relatives and friends. Others are living in churches and public schools. "A UNHCR team on mission to Dungu reports that the internally displaced are in dire5 need of basic humanitarian6 assistance. And, this displacement7 has also put a huge strain on host families. We are gearing up to send additional emergency staff to beef up our presence in Ituri region and to help meet the needs for shelter and water," he said. "Our teams also will be also bringing in blankets, high energy biscuits and hygiene8 items."
Redmond says access to the displaced and distribution of aid is hampered9 by insecurity and lack of roads.
Meanwhile, the UNHCR reports fighting in Congo's North Kivu Province between government forces and rebels led by Laurent Nkunda has displaced 100,000 people since the end of August.
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