The number and distribution of refugees*

[^* All population data should be treated with caution, as they are quite unreliable.]

UNHCR made a distinction between refugees registered in 1990-93 and those registered in 1994-95, the former being identified as the 'old' refugees, the latter as the 'new' refugees. This distinction did not coincide entirely with the distinction between early arrivals (1990-91) and late arrivals (1992-95). Old and new refugees were entitled to different quantities of food, the assumption being that the old refugees were self-sufficient by 1996, but that new refugees were not. This distinction was maintained despite studies showing that food insecurity was not linked to time of arrival but to area of residence.¹⁸

The concentration of refugees was different from one prefecture to another (Figure 14). In Guu in mid-1995, there were more refugees than Guineans. The concentrations were also very high in Yomou and Macenta. Within the prefectures refugee concentrations also varied. This variation is shown for Guu prefecture.

The Mano, KpellLoma and Kissi refugees lived mainly in the rural areas among their kinsmen. The Mandingo lived mostly in the cities. The Mende and Gbande who had no kinsmen in Guinea settled in the south-west of Guu where refugee concentrations were highest (Figure 14). The place where refugees settled was determined mainly by ethnic origin and established cross-border contacts, and by their rural or urban origin.