The WFP has condemned the looting of 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, DR Congo, amidst the advance of M23 rebels. The situation poses significant risks for vulnerable families already facing a humanitarian crisis. UN officials are urging adherence to international humanitarian law and calling for enhanced diplomatic efforts to restore peace in the region.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has condemned the theft of thousands of tonnes of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels over the weekend. According to the WFP, these supplies were essential for vulnerable families amid a worsening humanitarian crisis. The UN agency reported that approximately 7,000 tonnes of food were looted, compromising crucial aid efforts in the region. Furthermore, the WFP expressed its readiness to resume food assistance when conditions allow.
In response to the ongoing violence and deteriorating food security, the WFP called on all conflict parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding civilians and humanitarian personnel. This situation escalated as M23 insurgents continue their campaign in eastern DRC, having previously captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, in January. The persistent conflict in this resource-rich area has resulted in significant displacement, affecting hundreds of thousands.
UN aid coordinator Bruno Lemarquis highlighted the critical shortage of humanitarian access points threatening relief operations, with 1.65 million individuals displaced in South Kivu alone, prior to the recent escalations. In light of these developments, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a potential regional conflict and stressed the need for diplomatic resolutions during an African Union Summit. He urged respect for DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling for immediate diplomatic engagement to de-escalate tensions.
Mr. Guterres reiterated that a peacekeeping force, like MONUSCO, cannot resolve the crisis without an underlying peace. He emphasized that the resolution hinges on effective African diplomatic efforts, underscoring the significance of the recent summit by the Southern African Development Community in Tanzania, which prioritized an immediate ceasefire strategy.
The situation in DRC continues to deteriorate due to ongoing conflicts and humanitarian challenges, necessitating urgent attention and action from the international community and African nations to restore stability and provide relief for affected individuals.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains critical, as the WFP condemns recent looting of humanitarian supplies amid escalating violence. The ongoing M23 insurgency threatens to exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis. UN officials call for international adherence to humanitarian laws and urgent diplomatic engagement to resolve the conflict and protect vulnerable populations.
Original Source: news.un.org
