Congolese refugee loses life during melée at camp, UN mission says

A refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) died and two others were injured as United Nations troops sought to protect the life of someone distributing food at a refugee camp in Burundi, the United Nations Operation in Burundi (ONUB) said today.

The mission said it had learnt that yesterday an angry mob of refugees formed, causing a threat to the physical integrity of an NGO (non-governmental organization) worker responsible for food distribution at the campsite.

“As the mob grew more violent, ONUB soldiers stationed in the area intervened to protect the aid worker. It was during this operation that one refugee died and two others were injured,” it said.

The mission, expressing condolences, said it was conducting an inquiry into the circumstances.