March 1, 2013
During the evening of February 28, a major battle broke out between M23's Makenga and Runiga factions. Within hours, thousands of Congolese immediately crossed over to Uganda seeking refuge.
Our staff and volunteers are already on the ground working with UNHCR and other local partners. A volunteer recounts:
“It was easily the most incredible scene I've ever witnessed. Over 4,000 people with their kids, goats, babies, mattresses, sacks of food crowding the street and camping out on the roadsides and hillsides. We later learned 8,000 were massed at the border and tonight 4,000 remain on the Uganda side although the numbers change hour-to-hour. The refugee camp is already home to 500 new refugees and is hurriedly putting up new tents and registration tables. Every aspect of the refugee care including health care is being ramped up quickly."
We are monitoring the situation around the clock and will post updates here, on Facebook and on Twitter as soon as possible. Click on the icons below to connect with us.