Renewed violent clashes between DR Congo’s army and M23 rebels has caused many to flee into Uganda
KAMPALA, Uganda, – Update : 06.08.2024
-UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, has said that the international community must act swiftly and generously to tackle urgent needs of growing refugee numbers in Uganda.
Renewed violent clashes that have escalated between Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s army and M23 rebels in eastern Congo, has caused many to flee into Uganda.
Since M23 rebels captured a border town in eastern DR Congo over the weekend, more than 2000 refugees have crossed into Uganda, which is already struggling with a surge of displaced people.
“The number of people fleeing from DRC into Uganda is not expected to subside very soon because there seems to be no end in sight of the conflict,” said UNHCR head of external engagements, Carol Sparks. She added that whenever the numbers of new refugees arrive, this means that the needs are also growing.
According to the UN refugee agency, more than 50,000 refugees are expected to cross into Uganda by the end of 2024, which will create a financial need of more than $30 million.
Uganda government has been sounding alarm over the influx, and decrying dwindling funding from donor countries.
According to the refugee ministry, the government is overstretched to take care of the ever-growing population of refugees. The small East African country is currently struggling to raise more than $1 billion, to take care of refugees.
The assistant commissioner for refugees in the Office of the Prime Minister, Charles Bafaki, called upon stakeholders in the refugee cause to support the country.
“There is a challenge of resources. However, what we can assure refugees is that no one will be hungry,” Bafaki said. He reiterated that refugees should exploit their talents and skills as an opportunity has been given to them to participate in the economic activities of the country.
Moses Odokonyero from IRC (International Rescue Committee), said that refugees have economic potential that can be harnessed to promote their self-reliance through addressing policy, legal and practice barriers that hinder their right to work.
Uganda is the third largest refugee-hosting country in the world, and the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa, hosting more than 1.6 million refugees and asylum seekers from several neighboring according to the UNHCR.
Source: AA
