From irin@dha.unon.org Wed Nov 13 13:49:19 1996 Date: Wed, 6 Nov 1996 11:31:55 +0300 (GMT+0300) From: UN DHA IRIN - Great Lakes To: irinwire@dha.unon.org Subject: Zaire-Tanzania: WFP Tanzania Prepares for Refugees 96.11.5 WORLD FOOD PROGRAMME NEWS BRIEF__________ November 5, 1996 WFP Tanzania Prepares for Boatloads of Refugees Fleeing Eastern Zaire The World Food Programme is shuttling food to an emergency shelter in Kigoma, Tanzania where some 4,600 refugees have arrived since the weekend. Reports given by the newly-arrived refugees indicate that thousands more are on their way to the Kigoma area. The majority of the refugees are Zairean nationals (3,800) while the rest are mainly Burundians with a smaller number of Rwandans. The refugees are reportedly fleeing the southern Kivu region. The WFP team in Kigoma report that the refugees are arriving in relatively good condition. The refugees travelled by boat along Lake Tanganyika, arriving in villages scattered around the Kigoma area. WFP currently has enough food in northern Tanzania to feed some 20,000 refugees for one month. More food is available in Dar es Salaam and Isaka should the influx escalate rapidly. However new donations through WFP will be needed to ensure continuing relief assistance. Plans to transfer the Zairean refugees to a more suitable site is being coordinated by UNHCR. Tomorrow WFP will participate in a coordination meeting with UNHCR and UNICEF to develop a plan of action for the Zairean refugees. The Burundian/Rwandan refugee caseload is currently being assisted in existing camps in the Kasulu District. For more information, contact: Brenda Barton/Michele Quintaglie WFP Kenya 254-2-622704/622336 Trevor Rowe WFP/Rome Chief Spokesman 39-6-52282602 [ENDS] [Via the UN DHA Integrated Regional Information Network "Wire" mailing list. The material contained in this communication may not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations or its agencies. UN DHA IRIN Tel: +254 2 622123 Fax: +254 2 622129 e-mail: irin@dha.unon.org for more information. If you re-print, copy, archive or re-post this item, please retain this credit and disclaimer.]