Chadians flock to Cameroon
2008-02-08 12:45
N'Djamena - At least 30 000 Chadians have poured over the border to neighbouring Cameroon after street battles between government forces and rebels erupted in the capital last weekend, the United Nations said on Friday.
A major push is underway to bring food, medicine and shelter to the influx of people in the region, which is usually devoid of any humanitarian crisis, as opposed to Chad's eastern border with Sudan's Darfur province.
Sophie de Caen, the UN's resident coordinator for Cameroon said: "The situation is difficult, and not yet under control. We are concerned for the fate of the most vulnerable."
The world body said it could accommodate up to 50 000 refugees in Kousseri, a town across the border from N'Djamena.
Rebels entered N'Djamena last week and withdrew days later after fierce fighting with the military that left scores dead in the streets and forced tens of thousands from their homes.
Chadian President Idriss Deby had imposed a curfew on most of the country after the raid on the capital and had asked the European Union to quickly send an anticipated 3 700-strong peacekeeping force to its border with Sudan.
Chad accused Sudan of arming the rebels that stormed the capital, which were believed to be regrouping several hundred kilometres away from N'Djamena.
Sapa-dpa
- SAPA