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Thousands Flee Congo Fighting

Civilians in the middle as local militias clash with rebel general

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2007 5:46 AM CDT

(Newser) – Thousands of refugees are fleeing a new outbreak of fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Renewed fighting has erupted between dissident Gen. Laurent Nkuda and local militias, as well as between Nkuda and regular government forces, following Nkuda's refusal to disarm his troops and reintegrate into the army. Aid agencies warn of a deepening crisis in the battle-ravaged land.

"What I saw was horrendous," said a UN spokeswoman. "Three women gave birth while they were fleeing." Some refugees are awaiting room in a Congolese refugee camp; others have already fled across the border into Uganda. The Congolese government has been accused of cutting medical supplies to regions controlled by Nkuda, worsening the plight of civilians; 370,000 have been displaced since the start of the year.

People flee from fighting near the town of Mugunga, some 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007. A renegade general battling government forces in eastern... (Associated Press)

People flee fighting near the town of Mugunga, some 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007. A renegade general battling government forces in eastern Congo... (Associated Press)

A soldier loyal to warlord Laurent Nkunda stands guard as civilians look on in the village of Kitshanga, Democratic Republic of Congo, Saturday, Sept. 8, 2007. Fighting erupted inside a national park... (Associated Press)

A woman walks with her belongings as she leaves the town of Sake, around 30 kilometers (20 miles) from Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo in this Sept. 7, 2007 file photo. A powerful warlord in eastern... (Associated Press)

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Thousands Flee Congo Fighting

Civilians in the middle as local militias clash with rebel general

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In country's east, rebels and army abandon citizens

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UN Goodwill Ambassador sees some improvement for displaced Iraqis

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Thousands Flee Congo Fighting

Civilians in the middle as local militias clash with rebel general

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

refugee camp • Democratic Republic of Congo • refugee • outbreak • Kivu • General Nkuda

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Anarchy Rules Desperate Congo

In country's east, rebels and army abandon citizens

Tunisia Furious After Libya Battle Crosses Border

But country is perfectly welcoming to Libyan refugees

Angelina Tours Iraqi Camps

UN Goodwill Ambassador sees some improvement for displaced Iraqis

Refugee Crisis Opens Doors for Pakistan's Secluded Women

Women uprooted by fighting gain new access to health care, education

As Pakistan Shells Taliban, 500K Flee Swat

Military bombards densely populated areas; UN warns of crisis

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?