450,000 fled fighting in eastern Congo: UN
Almost half a million people are fleeing fighting between government troops and rebels in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The UN Human Rights Commissioner (UNHCR) reported in Geneva on Friday that the situation was deteriorating in North Kivu Province, which borders Uganda and Rwanda and has long been in crisis.
Government forces seek to assert control over the region, which is rich in resources.
The UNHCR put the numbers fleeing the fighting at 450,000 and said at least 200,000 of the internally displaced people had been cut off from humanitarian aid.
It said human rights violations in the region, including the rape of women and girls, had risen since October.
Tens of thousands of people were reported to have converged on Sake, a town on Lake Kivu some 35 kilometres from the provincial capital of Goma.
Meanwhile, the presidential elections in Africa’s second-largest country by area are set for December 20.
However, observers have repeatedly warned that holding the poll in contested regions will be difficult or barely possible.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Benue: Troops kill suspected terrorist in gunfight
“One terrorist was neutralised, while troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and two empty magazines from the scene,” Mr Zubairu said.
Sport
Egypt edge Australia on penalties to make historic World Cup round of 16 berth
Egypt will face the winners of the round of 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde later today.
Health
Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak now largest on record as cases top 1,400: WHO
Mr Janabi described the outbreak as one of Africa’s most serious public health emergencies this year.
Health
Bauchi govt begins rural-based campaign against waterborne diseases
Mr Mohammed said health education officers in the state’s 20 local government areas had been directed to carry out the exercise.
Hot news Home top
INEC extends voter registration, launches self-service portal
INEC said the extension followed feedback received from its state offices, political parties, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders.
States
Wheelbarrow pusher killed in Rivers road crash
The spokesperson for the state police, ASP Blessing Agabe, said the driver had been arrested.
