Uganda Sees Rise in Congo Refugees as Fighting Spreads.
More refugees from DR Congo enter Uganda each day as fighting worsens in South Kivu province.
Uganda's refugee minister, Lillian Aber, reports that 150 to 154 people arrive daily from the conflict zone. "The numbers have slightly increased," Aber said Tuesday. "But I want to assure the country that they are still manageable."
Fresh clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army drive people from their homes. The fighting near Goma has not yet caused a major surge in refugees.
"We are prepared to maintain our open refugee policy," Aber said. She added that officials watch the situation closely. Her team stands ready to ask partners for help if numbers rise.
Uganda hosts 1.74 million refugees - the most in Africa. The country lets displaced people live and work inside its borders.
Aid groups warn the crisis may grow if peace efforts fail. "The need for political stability cannot be overstated," Aber said. She urged regional leaders to fix the causes of conflict.
Uganda plans to keep helping refugees. But officials say they need global aid to support people fleeing the violence.
The minister stressed that her team tracks refugee flows daily and aims to respond quickly if more people need shelter from the fighting.
More refugees from DR Congo enter Uganda each day as fighting worsens in South Kivu province.
Uganda's refugee minister, Lillian Aber, reports that 150 to 154 people arrive daily from the conflict zone. "The numbers have slightly increased," Aber said Tuesday. "But I want to assure the country that they are still manageable."
Fresh clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army drive people from their homes. The fighting near Goma has not yet caused a major surge in refugees.
"We are prepared to maintain our open refugee policy," Aber said. She added that officials watch the situation closely. Her team stands ready to ask partners for help if numbers rise.
Uganda hosts 1.74 million refugees - the most in Africa. The country lets displaced people live and work inside its borders.
Aid groups warn the crisis may grow if peace efforts fail. "The need for political stability cannot be overstated," Aber said. She urged regional leaders to fix the causes of conflict.
Uganda plans to keep helping refugees. But officials say they need global aid to support people fleeing the violence.
The minister stressed that her team tracks refugee flows daily and aims to respond quickly if more people need shelter from the fighting.
