Democratic Republic of the Congo

as of

Compiled by DHA on the basis of information reported by Donors and Appealing Agencies

Two main points:
- In Eastern Zaire, between 150 etand 200,000 mainly Rwandan refugees are still at risk between Lubutu and Amisi, in northern Kivu.

- 475,000 Rwandans refugees have now returned to Rwanda from Tanzania. 3,000 children have been separated from their families during this operation.

Zaire:

The overall situation is basically the same as the one described in Update 28 (18 Dec.). The rebels are said to have taken Bunia and Walikale, but this has yet to be finally confirmed.

UNITED NATIONS
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Integrated Regional Information Network
Tel: +254 2 622147
Fax: +254 2 622129

The Zairan army posted in the eastern regions of the country is in retreat, pressed by the armies of Uganda and of the Banyamulenge. The disbanded troops are on the rampage and commandeer vehicles, petrol and food upplies to help their flight. So far no human casualties have been reported. But women are in continuous risk of being raped.

U N I T E D N A T I O N S
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Integrated Regional Information Network
Tel: +254 2 622147
Fax: +254 2 622129

CONSOLIDATED GREAT LAKES REPORT
UPDATE #6 (UNCLASSIFIED)
DECEMBER 21 - 27, 1996

UNITED NATIONS
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Integrated Regional Information Network
Tel: +254 2 622147
Fax: +254 2 622129

ICRC activities in eastern Zaire continue to focus on the large numbers of refugees concentrated in Shabunda, mid-way between Kindu and Bukavu. As of 21 December, the ICRC had counted 55,875 refugees in Shabunda, with a further 50,000 said to be en route. To add to the already momentous tasks facing the ICRC in Shabunda, there are indications that tensions are emerging between Rwandan and Burundian refugees, and discussions are being held with a view to establishing separate sites for the two communities.

ZAIRE:
Senior level inter agency Missions, including the WFP Regional Manager, have visited Kisangani, Lubutu, Tingi-Tingi and Shabunda. Whilst the priority is to assist the refugees to return, there is clearly a need to provide humanitarian assistance for the time being. The most pressing humanitarian needs appear to be in the Shabunda area where the condition of many of the refugees is reported to be poor.

UNITED NATIONS
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Integrated Regional Information Network
Tel: +254 2 622147
Fax: +254 2 622129

New York -- (Department of Humanitarian Affairs) The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Under-Secretary-General Yasushi Akashi, announced the appointment of Mr. Martin Griffiths, Director of the Geneva Office of the Department of Humanitarian Affairs, as Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Great Lakes Region, replacing Mr. Sergio Vieira de Mello, Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees.

Eastern Zaire
Unconfirmed reports suggest that the Zairean army are launching a counter attack from Bunia towards Beni.
The main Goma-Butembo road at the Mabenga checkpoint (southern edge of the Virunga National Park, north of Rutshuru) has been closed and no traffic is allowed through. Uganda appear to have closed its border with Eastern Zaire. No refugees are being allowed to cross as a result.

Tanzania

U.S. AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BUREAU FOR HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE (BHR)
OFFICE OF U.S. FOREIGN DISASTER ASSISTANCE (OFDA)

Repatriation from Tanzania continues. The number of arrests in Rwanda is increasing, mainly in the prefecture of Kibungo where the majority of the refugees are coming from.
The majority of refugees from Ngara district have returned. The Karagwe camps are totally empty and the refugees are walking in the direction of Rusumu border.

Return from Eastern Zaire also continues.

UNITED NATIONS
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Integrated Regional Information Network
Tel: +254 2 622147
Fax: +254 2 622129

UNITED NATIONS
Department of Humanitarian Affairs
Integrated Regional Information Network
Tel: +254 2 622147
Fax: +254 2 622129

Please note that this will be the last Oxfam UK/I Information Update on central Africa in 1996. Hopefully the next one will appaer in the first days of 1997.
Note : in the parts of this report referring to the external context and the programme, "Oxfam" refers to OUK/I, as the lead Oxfam for this emergency. In other parts, different members of Oxfam International are referred to distinctly.

Context / In brief

Tanzania
SCF UK is working under the auspices of the Tanzanian Red Cross in Karagwe district as they are currently the only NGO authorised to work in this area.
SCF teams are searching the now empty refugee camps for any unaccompanied children (UAC) who may have been left behind following the mass refugee movement towards the border with Rwanda. About 500 UAC have been found to date.

Rwanda

Relief workers in eastern Zaire have revised their estimate of the death toll in the Goma area.

Co-ordinating Office