The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) has urged Rwandan authorities and Congolose refugees in Rwanda to exhibit restraint and remain calm following recent clashes that left one refugee dead and others injured at the Kiziba refugee camp in the western part of the country.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remains unclear, but the agency says the death of the refugee followed a stand-off between the Rwandan National Police and a crowd of refugee youths on Tuesday.
The refugee sustained injuries during the clash and was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his wounds.
23 other refugees were arrested for inciting violence in the camp.
UNHCR says that more than 17,000 Congolese refugees live in the camp, many of whom have been there for more than two decades. A significant number were born there.
Faced with dwindling assistance levels and food ration reductions as humanitarian funding levels have remained chronically low, the refugees began protests in February.
A previous clash on February 22 led to over 10 refugee deaths, left many others injured including members of the police.
The UNHCR reports that the tense situation has prompted some refugees to request means to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo out of desperation.
The agency however laments that funding remains low, and is urging donors to chip in as soon as possible.
It says that only 13 per cent of the US$ 98.8 million appeal has been received.
