Lungu warns of looming humanitarian refugee crisis

A HUMANITARIAN crisis is looming in Nchelenge as the refugee influx escalates and the international community should help, President Edgar Lungu has warned.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) resident coordinator Janet Rogan has warned Zambians to learn a lesson from Congolese nationals who have been driven out from their homeland, farms and businesses.

President Lungu has asked the international community to help the UN, UNHCR and Zambian government to handle the situation.

Yesterday, the number of refugees rose to 6,100 from 5,830 the previous day.

Speaking after an on spot check at Kenani Transit Centre in Luapula Province yesterday, President Lungu took time to warn the refugees from abrogating the Zambian rule of law and order.

Upon arrival at the centre, the President inspected the registration centre office, water supply system, cooking facilities, police post, health centre and the children centre as refugees sang songs of praise for being accommodated in Zambia.

President Lungu interacted with several refugees families and later bumped into a Congolese woman who had given birth to triplets a few days ago on her way to Zambia.

"I don't want to comment on events in Congo DR but I can safely say all indications are that the situation is getting worse.

"I can only say as we prepare to relocate the new refugees from Kenani to a new permanent site there is need for the international community to move to greater action to sustain and complement the efforts that my government with the support of its partners has made in stabilisng the situation," Mr Lungu said. President Lungu said UN, UNHCR and other partners can only continue to provide assistance with the support of the international community.

"I am therefore asking the international community to help the UN and UNHCR and the government to handle this situation.

"I know that some people will be saying 6, 000 is a small number compared to humanitarian crisis elsewhere where there are large numbers of refugees but look at the people of Luapula and Zambia then you will appreciate that this is a big challenge," he said.

He assured the refugees that their health and welfare was guaranteed.

President Lungu said his government had put in measures to protect refugees from waterborne diseases as they had set up water treatment plant.

He said he had organized some drugs and medical equipment from cooperating partners to help reinforce the efforts of the district health authorities.

And Ms Rogan advised Zambians not to take peace for granted but learn a lesson from Congo nationals who have been driven out of their homeland, farms and businesses.

She has commended efforts made by leaders of the great lakes region towards seeking peace and unity in Congo DR.

"I hope p will be success in those efforts," Ms Rogan said. N.B

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