Congolese in Tanzania: more than 30,800 since August

Briefing notes

Congolese in Tanzania: more than 30,800 since August

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today's press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

29 January 1999

More than 30,800 refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo have now left South Kivu for Tanzania since the rebellion began last August. UNHCR staff in Kigoma report that the flow shows no signs of abating, with five or six vessels arriving daily in Tanzania and refugees saying that a lack of boats and the cost of the fare ($10 US) for the crossing are all that is stopping more Congolese from leaving.