Relief workers scramble to assess Ituri situation

As humanitarian organisations try to assess the impact of the current ethnic fighting in Ituri province, northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, it is becoming clear that at least 3,500 people have sought refuge over the border in Uganda. The situation inside DRC is so far unknown, but relief organisations are trying to reach the remote areas where renewed fighting broke out last week. Humanitarian workers on the Ugandan side of the border have been able to confirm that members of the agriculturalist Lendu ethnic community attacked their pastoralist Hema compatriots, forcing them to flee in all directions. Assessments at three locations across the border in Uganda have found some 3,500 people scattered over a distance of 50 km. Their immediate needs are food, followed by water and sanitation, a UN humanitarian official told IRIN on Monday. Initial estimates put the number of injured on the Ugandan side at 20, but it is feared the figure will rise. The refugees are mostly concentrated at the southern end of Lake Albert. The current crisis is worrying as the Lendu - previously armed with traditional weapons such as bows and arrows and machetes - are now in possession of small arms and logistical equipment, humanitarian sources said. It is believed they have been armed by former Zairean soldiers (ex-FAZ), Mayi-Mayi fighters, Rwandan Interahamwe militiamen and Ugandan rebels from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), with whom they appear to have formed an alliance. The attack may have been triggered by promises of support from the Ugandan-backed local authorities which has not been forthcoming, the sources added. Details are still very sketchy, and the Ugandan military - which is considered to be pro-Hema - was not present in large numbers in the areas around Bogoro and Nyankunde where the clashes occurred. The Ugandans have since sent reinforcements and regained control of the situation. Some reports put the number of dead at 20, while others say up to 100 people were killed. Again, the real figure may be much higher.