UNICEF says 70,000 children threatened by malnutrition in Congo Republic

UNICEF says 70,000 children are threatened by severe malnutrition in the Republic of Congo due to clashes between soldiers and opposition forces.

UNICEF said every fifth child under the age of five has been displaced since violence broke out in the south-eastern Pool and Bouenza departments, located near the capital Brazzaville, after the April 2016 presidential elections.

The UN agency said that the unrest left almost 140,000 people in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, including access to clean water, food and health care.

Violence broke out in the central African nation after President Sassou Nguesso, who has been in power for 33 years, was re-elected in April 2016.

Shortly before the election, a constitutional referendum extended the eligibility of presidential candidates beyond age 70, which allowed Sassou Nguesso, 73, to run again.