Democratic Republic of the Congo: Last Rwandese/Burundi camp to close

The last camp of Rwandan and Burundi refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be closed today after a third and final convoy of 400 people leaves the site of Mbuji Mayi, in Kasai Province, for settlement destinations 130km south of the city. Almost 1,500 Rwandans and Burundi are being settled on farmland allocated by local authorities and traditional chiefs. The group is receiving farming tools, relief items and a one-time three-month food ration. UNHCR will give support to schools and health centres in the receiving communities. Seeds supplied by UNHCR and the Food and Agriculture Organization to help the Rwandans and Burundi become self-reliant, brought over 700 km by rail from Lubumbashi, will also go to local inhabitants. The operation has been timed to coincide with the start of the planting season in the coming weeks. A second transfer of 350 Rwandans, including 166 minors, from the camp to the village of Tshiobobo, near Mwene Ditu, was completed on Tuesday.