ZAMBIA: DRC refugees resist moving

[ This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]

LUSAKA, 22 Oct 2004 (IRIN) - Refugees from neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) who fled to Kilwa Island in northern Zambia earlier this month have refused to relocate to refugee camps, according to local authorities.

Provincial Minister Kennedy Sakeni said the estimated 3,000 Congolese who had fled insecurity in Katanga province preferred to stay on Kilwa Island in Lake Mweru, hoping the situation would return to normal, but were in dire need of food.

The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, confirmed the unwillingness of the Congolese to be moved and said it would provide assistance to the refugees while continuing to monitor the situation.

"UNHCR is working with the government, through the Commissioner for Refugees' Office, to ascertain the exact numbers of these Congolese nationals, and will render all the necessary support to the government of Zambia to assist these people," UNHCR spokesman Kelvin Shimo said.

"In this regard, UNHCR has decided to donate, through the government, plastic sheets, kitchen sets, blankets, soap and emergency drugs to these Congolese nationals. Further assistance will be given upon registration and transfer to the designated refugee camps," he added.

Sakeni told the Times of Zambia this week that the situation in Katanga had normalised after DRC government troops drove out suspected insurgents at the weekend.

In March this year hundreds of Congolese crossed into Zambia as a result of fighting in the southeastern DRC. The refugees reportedly fled renewed clashes between Mayi-Mayi rebels and government troops in Dikulushi in mineral-rich Katanga Province.

[ENDS]