The WFP condemned the looting of 7,000 tonnes of food supplies in Bukavu, DR Congo, following advances by M23 rebels. The supplies were vital for vulnerable families facing a humanitarian crisis. UN officials warned of blocked aid routes impacting relief efforts, urging adherence to international law and calling for diplomatic solutions to prevent escalation of the conflict.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly condemned the recent looting of approximately 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food supplies in Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This incident occurred after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, advanced into the area with little resistance over the weekend. These supplies were intended to support the most vulnerable families amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, the WFP emphasized the critical nature of these food supplies for those in need, stating that as violence escalates and food access becomes increasingly limited, they are prepared to resume essential food aid as soon as it is safe. The agency urged all conflict parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians and aid workers.
The M23 group has continued its military advances in eastern DRC, having already seized Goma, the North Kivu province capital, earlier this year. The ongoing conflict in this mineral-rich area has displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals due to the activities of numerous armed factions, exacerbating the humanitarian situation.
Bruno Lemarquis, the chief UN aid official in DRC, reported that critical humanitarian routes are being obstructed, jeopardizing aid operations. Prior to the M23’s recent offensive, South Kivu was already experiencing a severe humanitarian crisis, with approximately 1.65 million displaced individuals, representing over 20% of the province’s population.
During an African Union Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his concern over the potential for the conflict to escalate into a regional war. He called for urgent diplomatic efforts to address the issue, underscoring that the sovereignty of the DRC must be respected. Guterres reiterated that while MONUSCO, the peacekeeping force, would continue its support, lasting solutions require effective African diplomacy.
Guterres highlighted the significance of collective initiatives, referring to a joint summit led by the Southern African Development Community in Tanzania, noting it established a clear pathway towards an immediate ceasefire. He insisted that a comprehensive diplomatic approach is essential for resolving the ongoing conflict.
In summary, the WFP condemned the looting of essential food supplies in Bukavu as M23 rebels continue their military offensive in eastern DRC, leading to a humanitarian crisis. The UN emphasizes the need for respect for international humanitarian law and calls for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation of the conflict or regional instability. Continued humanitarian assistance remains a priority as violent hostilities threaten vital aid operations.
Original Source: news.un.org
