Poor and frighten refugees are on the move again. This time, they are fleeing Congo going into southern Sudan.
Refugee numbers huge after military operations against Congo rebels
The joint military operation launched against rebels of the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) in December by Ugandan, Congolese and southern Sudanese troops has created serious and unexpected humanitarian challenges in southern Sudan.
During a press briefing today (13 March) in Juba, UN Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Lise Grande said that the refugee influx from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the overall humanitarian situation might not improve in the near future.
"The joint operation which was launched in December by the Ugandan Southern Sudanese and Congo armed forces against the LRA: The key message is there have been serious and, let me be frank, and unexpected humanitarian consequences."The LRA attacks against civilians in the DRC and southern Sudan have caused large-scale displacement among populations living near the international border between Sudan and the DRC. Over 100,000 people in Western and Central Equatoria states are affected, according to Grande.
Lise Grande Deputy Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator: "Here is the problem: The numbers are getting too big, conditions are now sliding, we are worried about this."
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