Bas-Congo situation "critical"

Humanitarian sources have described the situation in Bas-Congo province as "critical", compounded by the influx of Angolan and Republic of Congo (ROC) refugees and intensified fighting along the Angola-DRC border. The sources told IRIN the worst fears of aid agencies were now being realised, with ever greater numbers of refugees from ROC's Pool region surging into the country. On average, 300 refugees were arriving a day via three different entry points. Their condition is described as "appalling", with high mortality due to malnutrition. Some 20,000 Angolan refugees, fleeing border fighting, are said to be in a stable condition, but the clashes are causing security concerns among relief officials. Angolan troops have reportedly been deployed on the border to launch counter-offensives against rebel UNITA troops.