Zambia is bracing for more refugees from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ahead of a referendum and elections set for December.
It is feared conflict will disrupt the elections and send refugees scattering into Zambia and other neighbouring countries.
The fears come despite confirmation that President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001, would not be contesting for a third term.
Kabila’s failure to hold polls at the end of 2016 aggravated tensions in the Central African country.
“More fighting and instability may occur ahead of elections,” said a spokesperson of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).
“This in turn may lead to a fresh influx of refugees to Zambia, requiring increased response and resources.”
The Congolese refugees and asylum seekers are fleeing conflict and violations of human rights in the DRC as government soldiers fight militia in the eastern regions of the country.
Makeshift refugee camps in Zambia are congested and experience insufficient basic services. As a result, the population is at serious risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera as well as other communicable diseases.
