200809252121 | 'Thousands flee' LRA in DR Congo

'Thousands flee' LRA in DR Congo

75,000 people have fled attacks by Ugandan rebels in northern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Catholic aid agency Caritas has said. Fighters from the Lord's Resistance Army are reported to have killed villagers and abducted children during recent attacks. The rebels have moved from their original bases in Uganda to north-eastern DR Congo and South Sudan.
Those displaced have sought refuge in Dungu, where the army has a base.

UN troops are providing transport and military support to the Congolese army.
The LRA has led a rebellion for more than 20 years which has left some two million people displaced.

Last week, rebels launched surprise attacks on a military base in South Sudan and villages over the border in DR Congo.
The UN has said that rebels kidnapped 90 children during the raids on the villages of Duru, Nambia and Kiliwa.

LRA leader Joseph Kony refused to sign a peace deal agreed by his representatives earlier this year.
The LRA has said it is willing to sign an agreement, but will not disarm until the International Criminal Court (ICC) lifts arrest warrants against Mr Kony.