The United Nations Refugee agency says the ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Kasai region, has led to thousands of Congolese seeking refuge in neighbouring Angola.
This comes amid continued political uncertainty in the country.
Those fleeing into Angola arrive mainly in Dundo, the capital of the country’s north-eastern Luanda Norte province.
UN investigators earlier said they had discovered 17 mass grave sites, bringing the total to 40 people dead in an area where the army has clashed with local militia.
The sites were reportedly dug by Congolese soldiers after fighting with the Kamwina Nsapu militia in Kasai Central in late March.
According to the UNHCR, more than 400 people have been killed since last August, indicating that the conflict could be escalating.
The ongoing violence in the DR Congo comes amid continued uncertainty linked to President Joseph Kabila, whose decision to stay in power after his mandate ran out in December, has stoked unrest across the vast central African nation.
The country’s opposition accuses him of trying to cling on to power by delaying elections in the country.
The country was due to hold elections in November, but that did not happen.
The Congolese electoral authority said it could not hold the elections due to logistical problems.
Talks were held in the country and an agreement was reached indicating that the elections were to be held early this year, but that is yet to happen and a date is not given yet.
In a parliament address earlier this month, President Kabila warned those engaging in the violence that they would face the full wrath of his government if they did not cease their violent protests.
