KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of Congo, Jan. 20 (UPI) -- At least 22 people are dead, an unknown number raped and 35,000 displaced due to renewed violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a U.N. official said.
Adrian Edwards, spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees, said raids by clashing militia bands in the eastern parts of the country, in the territories of Masisi and Walikale, have people on the move, many toward the neighboring provinces of Maniema and Katanga, a release by the United Nations reported Friday.
"UNHCR is very concerned about the consequences of this violence," said Stefano Severe, the agency's regional representative. "For now the people in the east are displaced within the country, but there is a risk that people might cross borders if the situation gets worse."
U.N. peacekeepers said they found deserted and burned-down villages along with looted health centers. The displaced persons they spoke with said they have lost their farmlands and have been subjected to forced labor, harassment and violence, the release said.
"We are working with our partners to address the needs of the displaced as we gain access to them. This includes providing shelter, clean water, food and health care," Edwards said. "In addition to the material assistance, our colleagues on the ground are also providing psycho-social support to survivors of rape and other traumas caused by the violence."
