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Some Angolan refugees flee camps in Zambia for fear of repatriation

LUSAKA, Dec 4, 2006 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- Some Angolan refugees are fleeing from refugee camps in Zambia for fear of being repatriated to their countries of origin, Times of Zambia reported Monday.

Home Affairs Minister Ronnie Shikapwasha was quoted as saying that it is sad the refugees who do not want to be repatriated are fleeing the camps and settling within the communities near the damps.

Although the government will not force anyone to return to their countries of origin it is important that the laws of the country are respected by both Zambians and foreign nationals, he said.

"The current repatriation of most Angolan refugees has brought us new challenges because many refugees are fleeing from affected refugee camps for fear of going back to their country of origin," he said.

He told the immigration department to intensify border patrols and sting operations to ensure continued security in the country and that illegal immigrants should be brought to book.

The Angolan voluntary repatriation from Zambia started in 2003, one year after the 27 year civil war ended in the country. Since then a total of 64,000 refugees have been safely repatriated to their motherland while about 29,000 Angolan refugees remain in Zambia.

A total of 500,000 Angolans fled to neighboring countries during the civil war .

There are still 150,000 refugees in Zambia from countries including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia.