DR Congo Refugee Crisis

On January 23, 2008, a peace agreement was signed between government and rebel forces in The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This has allowed many refugees to return to their native soil. This includes refugees who had been displaced to other countries and refugees who had been displaced within DRC.

Fast Facts

1. At worst point in the conflict, the highest number of refugees was estimated to be over 500,000¹
2. Number of refugees as of June 2008: Approximately 20,000²

A Volatile Situation

The situation in DRC is improving but is still dangerous. As some refugees return other refugees must flee.³ Many returning refugees do not have the support structures in place for food or shelter.⁴ Furthermore, refugees outside of DRC have been the target of Xenophobic attacks, especially those living in South Africa.⁵

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