The WFP has condemned the looting of thousands of tonnes of food supplies in Bukavu, DRC, following the advance of M23 rebels. The agency indicated that these supplies were crucial for vulnerable families amidst a growing humanitarian crisis. The UN calls for respect of international humanitarian law while the conflict risks escalating into a regional war. Diplomatic efforts are urgently needed to mitigate the crisis and ensure peace.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly condemned the looting of relief supplies in Bukavu, located in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the advance of M23 rebels, who are reportedly supported by Rwanda. The WFP emphasized that the stolen humanitarian aid was intended to support vulnerable families facing an escalating humanitarian crisis amidst ongoing violence.
According to the WFP, approximately 7,000 tonnes of food supplies were taken by looters as the security situation deteriorates in the region. The agency declared its readiness to resume essential food aid once the situation becomes safe, underscoring the growing difficulties of food access for the affected populations. Furthermore, the WFP has called upon all conflicting parties to uphold their responsibilities under international humanitarian law, particularly the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
The M23 group has made substantial territorial gains in eastern DRC, capturing Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, since the end of January. A history of armed conflict and persistent violence has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in this mineral-rich region, exacerbating the humanitarian plight.
Bruno Lemarquis, the top UN aid official in the DRC, has alerted that a shortage of humanitarian routes is severely threatening aid operations in the province. Even prior to the latest offensive, the humanitarian conditions in South Kivu were dire, with around 1.65 million people, representing over 20% of the province’s population, displaced due to various conflicts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned on Saturday about the potential escalation of the conflict into a regional war, advocating for African diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. He emphasized the urgent need for diplomacy and dialogue to ensure respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.
While MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in the DRC, will continue to support local efforts, Mr. Guterres noted that peacekeeping cannot resolve conflicts without a foundation of peace. He highlighted the importance of African unity and the results of the recent joint summit held by the South African Development Community, which proposed a clear path to an immediate ceasefire.
The WFP’s condemnation of the looting in Bukavu, coupled with the unceasing violence exacerbated by the activities of M23 rebels, spells a looming humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. The call for adherence to international humanitarian law is critical, highlighting the need for all parties to protect civilians. Diplomatic solutions are essential, as acknowledged by UN leadership, to restore peace and provide aid to the suffering population.
Original Source: news.un.org
