By Godfrey Olukya 18-12-2012
3700 refugees have fled from conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo and crossed into South Sudan in the last four days.
The rebels, mostly women and children, entered in Moro County in Central Equatoria State.
According to the refugees,They are fleeing from the fierce fighting between DR Congo government forces and M23 rebels in eastern part of the country.
The Deputy Secretary of South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Morobo County Arike Timothy said, ‘They have come in big numbers. They started arriving in Morobo County on the 14 December. We are trying to help them to settle.’
The Country Representative of UNHCR in South Sudan, Mireille Girard has said that UNHCR is prepared to help the refugees. She added on that they are working together with UNHCR in DR Congo to estimate a total number of refugees expected to enter into South Sudan.
Girard said, ‘UNHCR is planning to move the refugees to Lasu Refugee Camp.
One of the refugees, Shera Moke said, ‘We ran away from our villages because of the fighting between government troops and rebels. As they fight they attack the villages and loot peoples property and also rape women.
This is the first time this year for the Congolese to flee to South Sudan. They have however been fleeing to Uganda and Rwanda.
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