Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Angola, Botswana, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Eswatini, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Uganda, United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe
This update concerns the situation of Congolese refugees and asylum seekers in countries in the region.
As of 28 February 2019, 826,820 Congolese refugees are being hosted in African countries. From 1 January to 28 February 2019 alone, some 12,778 Congolese fled to neighboring countries, with a particularly significant increase in refugee flows to Uganda, Zambia and Kenya.
UNHCR together with 56 humanitarian and development partners launched the 2019-2020 Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRRP) on 11 December 2018 for US$743 million to help respond to the needs of Congolese refugees in Africa.
Regional Highlights and Operational Context
- A total of 826,820 Congolese refugees and asylum-seekers are being hosted in countries in Africa, which have generously maintained an open door policy in granting asylum to old and new asylum seekers.
- The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, concluded a four-day visit to Tanzania with a call for greater investment in northwest regions where some 330,000 refugees are hosted, among whom are some 84,543 Congolese refugees, including for priorities such as environmental protection and economic development. Citing Tanzania’s hospitality over decades to people in need of refuge, the HC said that the country and the people deserve greater international recognition. He pledged to mobilize more support for humanitarian efforts and also for host community development, enhanced camp security and environmental projects, such as energy sources that provide an alternative to firewood.