By Godfrey Olukya

ARU, Democratic Republic of Congo

Renewed violence in the Central African Republic (CAR) has led the displacement of over half-a-million people, with thousands fleeing to the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, Doctors Without Borders said in a statement on Tuesday.

''The violence has led to over 600,000 people being internally displaced nationwide. It has also forced 60,000 people to cross into Democratic Republic of Congo since the end of April 2017,’’ said a statement from the humanitarian NGO.

It said that people are seeking refuge in hospitals, churches and mosques, with others hiding in the bush for long periods of time.

The group decried the direct consequences of violence on the health of civilian populations as well as children suffering from malaria who are unable to reach medical facilities.

For over five years there has been an ongoing civil war in the Central African Republic involving the government, rebels from the Seleka coalition, and Anti-balaka militias.