Over $74.2 million required to address the needs of Congolese refugees in Zambia

Over 74.2 million United States dollars is required in 2018 to address the critical needs of Congolese refugees in Zambia.

And Government estimates the number of refugees coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo will exceed 76,000 by 31st December, 2018.

Speaking during the launch of the Regional Refugee Response Plan in Lusaka, Home Affairs Minister Steven Kampyongo appealed to for increased support from donors, development partners, NGOs, the private sector and other institutions in order to enable government fulfill its obligations.

Mr Kampyongo says there is need for adequate facilities at entry and transit points to carter for the expected new arrivals.

He says currently, Zambia is hosting more than 40, 000 refugees in different Refugee Settlements across the country.

Speaking at the same launch, United Nations Resident Coordinator, Janet Rogan said seventeen UN agencies have been deployed to Luapula province in response to the inflow of refugees from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.