Congolese flee ethnic fights
2009-11-10 17:45
Geneva - The UN refugee agency says more than 20 000 people have fled northern Democratic Republic of Congo to escape ethnic clashes that left 60 people dead.
UNHCR spokesperson Andrej Mahecic says ethnic Munzayas began fleeing DR Congo's Equateur province last Wednesday after reportedly being attacked by Enyele tribesmen.
Mahecic said on Tuesday witnesses told the agency that Enyele militias went "from house to house, pillaging, raping and killing".
He said 60 people were killed in the violence that reportedly stems from a dispute over farming and fishing rights.
Mahecic said UNHCR staff across the border in a small neighbouring country, Republic of Congo, could still see smoke from burning houses on Monday.
- AP