The UNHCR said, in a statement, that the conflict and violence in the Kassai region led thousands of Congolese to ask for shelter in the Angolan province of Lunda Norte, 69 percent of whom were welcomed in the Lóvua camp and the remaining refugees in nearby regions.
"The situation, which led the Angolan authorities to declare an emergency, dictated the creation of the Lóvua settlement in 2017. The place and other neighboring areas welcomed and guaranteed asylum, assistance and protection to the Congolese", he highlights in the document to which the Lusa agency had access.
UNHCR also indicated that 3732 Congolese and their dependents were supported during voluntary return, in coordination with the Government and partners.
Last year, according to UNHCR, around 820 Congolese who requested shelter in Angolan territory were repatriated after fleeing the conflict and violence in the Kassai region to the province of Lunda Norte.
Citing its most recent report on refugees, UNHCR also highlights that the entire population of Kassai gained refugee status upon arriving in Angola.
"In totality, registered Congolese citizens received documentation from UNHCR issued by the Angolan Government, with births and deaths registered weekly", the document highlights.
