The current spike of violence in Kasai Provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has forced over 11,000 refugees to seek safety in Angola, a UN spokesperson said Friday.

Police, military officials and civilians were being attacked by militia groups, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing.

"Some parents have sent their children across the border, worrying they would be forcibly recruited by the militias if they had stayed in the DRC," said Dujarric.

The situation among children is dire, as many arriving malnourished and sick, suffering from diarrhea, fever and malaria, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

The UNHCR is currently coordinating refugee response with the government, local authorities and partners on the ground.

"We are also negotiating with the government for proper hosting sites as the current border locations are overcrowded and not suitable," said the UNHCR.

Source: Xinhua