A member of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s National Assembly, Grâce Neema, has sounded the alarm over a growing humanitarian crisis in the northeastern province of Bas-Uele, where thousands of refugees from the Central African Republic (CAR) are crossing the border in search of safety.
In a statement delivered to the UNHCR representative in the DRC, MP Neema expressed deep concern over the increasing number of Central African nationals entering the province, particularly through Zapay, a locality in Sasa within the Ango Territory.
The MP, who represents Bas-Uele in Parliament, revealed that more than 47,000 refugees have arrived in the region in a short period, overwhelming the limited local resources and infrastructure.
“We are in a critical moment, and things could get much worse if immediate action is not taken,” she warned, urging both national and international actors to intervene swiftly.
According to MP Neema, many of the refugees arrive to find no proper arrangements for shelter, food, or healthcare.
This, she says, could not only exacerbate the humanitarian burden but also create tensions with the host communities if left unaddressed.
The Central African Republic, located to the north of the DRC, shares a 1,747-kilometer border with its southern neighbor.
The bordering CAR provinces include Mbomou, Haut-Mbomou, Basse-Kotto, and Lobaye. The Ubangi and Mbomou rivers also serve as natural boundaries between the two countries.
Radio Okapi reports that MP Neema recently submitted a formal request to Parliament for urgent attention to the crisis unfolding in Bas-Uele.
The situation underscores the fragility of the region’s security and humanitarian landscape, as conflict and instability in CAR continue to drive thousands across the border in search of refuge.