Cholera Epidemic Threatens Rwandan Refugee Camps in Goma

Strategic Insights -

As the volatile situation in the eastern Zaire region of Goma continues to deteriorate, a massive cholera epidemic looms over the refugees, with an estimated 50,000 cases predicted by Doctors Without Borders. The group has set up emergency tents to treat the stricken, with a mortality rate of up to 50% anticipated. Meanwhile, the nearby Nyiragongo volcano, last erupting in 1976, is threatening to erupt once more, stranding an estimated one million Rwandan civil war refugees in a precarious location.

Key Takeaways:

  • A cholera epidemic is threatening to engulf the Rwandan refugee camps in Goma, with an estimated 50,000 cases predicted by Doctors Without Borders.
  • The group has set up emergency tents to treat the stricken, with a mortality rate of up to 50% anticipated.
  • The nearby Nyiragongo volcano, last erupting in 1976, is threatening to erupt once more, stranding an estimated one million Rwandan civil war refugees.
  • The refugees are facing dire conditions, including a lack of sanitation facilities and access to medical care.
  • The United Nations' refugee agency has urged the refugees to return home, but many Hutu people are reluctant to do so, fearing persecution by the Tutsi army.
  • The US has pledged an additional $35 million in aid and the dispatch of hundreds of US troops to support humanitarian relief efforts.
  • US Army engineers are preparing to expand and repair the airstrip in Goma, which has become the main hub for food, medical, and other supplies for the refugees.

Statistics:

  • Estimated 50,000 cases of cholera predicted by Doctors Without Borders.
  • Mortality rate of up to 50% anticipated in the cholera epidemic.
  • One million Rwandan civil war refugees stranded in the pyroclastic flow of the Nyiragongo volcano.
  • Cholera has developed in the camp in recent days, with aid organizations now unable to cope.
  • 35 million in additional aid pledged by President Clinton.
  • Hundreds of US troops dispatched to support humanitarian relief efforts.
  • US Army engineers preparing to expand and repair the airstrip in Goma.

Sources:

  • "Cholera epidemic threatens Rwandan refugee camps" by Reuters, New York Times.
  • Statement by Doctors Without Borders: "Cholera outbreak in Goma poses grave threat to refugees".
  • US government release: "President Clinton Approves Additional Aid to Rwandan Refugees".
  • Institute for Global Physics in Strasbourg: "Dangerous situation" at the Nyiragongo volcano.
  • New York Times, Reuter.