U.N. says DRC clashes displaced thousands

KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nov. 6 (UPI) -- More than 16,000 people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo were displaced by recent tribal clashes, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said.

The United Nations said in a release Friday that since last week alone, more than 16,000 civilians left their homes in the violence-ravaged country and sought refuge in the neighboring Republic of Congo.

The clashes in the Democratic Republic of Congo represent the most recent violence between the Enyele and Munzaya tribes, who are divided over ownership of farming and fishing rights in the village of Dongo.

UNHRC representative Andrej Mahecic said his agency is very concerned with the recent violence, which left nearly 60 people dead and nearly 40 seriously injured.

"UNHCR is seriously concerned about the intensity of the violence and its spread to nearby villages, which have been virtually emptied of people," Mahecic said of the tribal conflict, which began in March.

A UNHCR team said the DRC refugees living in the Republic of Congo are in need of proper shelter and supplies.