Hundreds of Congolese flee tribal clashes

By Patson Baraire

OVER 100 Congolese nationals have escaped tribal cleansing in their country and fled to Uganda through the Kyeshero border post in Kanungu district.

The refugees claimed that they fled their homes in Muramba and Kisharu villages in Rusturu district in North Kivu after tribal clashes started between the indigenous Nandi people who are linked to the Mai Mai fighters and the Hutu tribesmen who are linked to the Rwandan rebels.

According to the LC1 chairman of Nyakishojwa village in Kyeshero parish, Kayonza Sub County where most of the Congolese fled, Fabith Mushuhukye, the refugees started arriving in their village on April 13th claiming that they were fleeing tribal fighting between the Mai Mai and the Hutu.

A Congolese man carrying his child as they cross from DR Congo into Uganda. Photo by Patson Baraire

Congolese refugees board a UNHCR truck to be taken to Nyakabande in Kisoro district. Photo by Patson Baraire

“We started receiving them on Monday and we alerted the security authorities who convened them at Kyeshero border entry point awaiting transportation to the gazzeted refugee camp,” Mushuhukye said.

She said that more refugees started arriving in Uganda on 14th and the numbers were overwhelming them because the local were faced with the responsibility of feeding them.

However United Nations High Commission for Refugees after learning about the plight of the refugees they sent a truck from Nyakabande Refugee Camp in Kisoro where there is also a refugee reception desk for proper management.

Bahati John, 35, who was among the refugees told New Vision that he fled his home after his neighbor was attacked at night and killed and after finding 4 dead bodies in the gardens.

“People have been fighting each other and it started on a small scale but in recent weeks we realized that some families were being targeted at night and killed while others were being confronted while in the gardens,” Bahati said.