The UN’s WFP condemned the looting of 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food supplies in Bukavu, DRC, following the advance of M23 rebels. The situation worsens as the humanitarian crisis escalates, with over 1.65 million displaced individuals. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urges African diplomacy for conflict resolution as hostilities continue in the mineral-rich region.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed its condemnation regarding the looting of substantial humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the recent advance of M23 rebels. These rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, encountered minimal resistance during their takeover over the weekend.
In its statement released online, the WFP emphasized that the looted supplies amounting to 7,000 tonnes were crucial for assisting the most vulnerable families facing an escalating humanitarian crisis in the region. The WFP pledged its readiness to reinstate vital food aid when circumstances permit.
The WFP has urged all involved parties in the conflict to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law, which necessitates the safeguarding of civilians and humanitarian workers. This incident aligns with ongoing hostilities in eastern DRC, where M23 fighters continue to make territorial gains, most recently capturing Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
Bruno Lemarquis, the top UN aid official in DRC, has warned of critical shortages in humanitarian pathways that jeopardize aid efforts in South Kivu. As of now, over 1.65 million individuals have been displaced from their homes due to ongoing violence and instability in the mineral-abundant region.
Recently, UN Secretary-General António Guterres raised concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict into a regional war, advocating for effective African diplomacy to resolve the crisis. He underscored the necessity for dialogue and negotiations, stressing that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be preserved.
Though MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping body in DRC, will persist in its support efforts, Mr. Guterres acknowledged that peacekeeping cannot mend a situation devoid of peace. He highlighted the significance of African-led solutions and referenced the SADC summit in Tanzania that sought to lay out a clear path toward an immediate ceasefire.
In summary, the WFP’s denunciation of the looting in Bukavu highlights the deteriorating humanitarian situation in eastern DRC amid escalating violence from M23 rebels. With significant numbers of displaced persons and blocked aid routes, the region faces a pressing need for effective diplomatic interventions to restore stability and ensure the protection of vulnerable populations. The UN continues to advocate for adherence to international humanitarian law and emphasizes the importance of regional diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: news.un.org
