The WFP condemned the looting of 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, DRC, following the M23 rebel group’s recent offensive. The agency highlighted the critical impact on vulnerable families, urging respect for international humanitarian law. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of regional war potential and called for effective African diplomacy to stabilize the DRC.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed its condemnation regarding the looting of relief supplies in Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This incident occurred after the M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, took control of the city with minimal resistance. The WFP noted that the looted supplies included 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food intended to support vulnerable families amid a worsening humanitarian situation.
In a public statement, the WFP emphasized the critical role that the confiscated food supplies played in combating the escalating humanitarian crisis. As violence persists and food becomes increasingly scarce, the WFP remains poised to resume its essential food aid operations once conditions allow for safe delivery. The agency has also urged all conflict parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, ensuring the protection of civilians and aid workers.
The advance of M23 fighters has heightened concerns, particularly after their capture of Goma in North Kivu in late January. An ongoing conflict in this mineral-rich region has plagued the area for decades, resulting in widespread displacement, with nearly 1.65 million individuals forced from their homes. The top UN aid official in the DRC, Bruno Lemarquis, has highlighted the critical shortage of operational humanitarian routes as a significant obstacle to aid delivery.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has cautioned about the potential for the ongoing conflict to escalate into a broader regional war. During the African Union Summit, he called for immediate diplomatic efforts, stating, “It is time to silence the guns; it is time for diplomacy and dialogue.” He emphasized that the sovereignty of the DRC must be respected and that sustainable solutions require effective African diplomacy.
Guterres also pointed out that the UN peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, will continue its operations, although he noted that a peacekeeping force cannot resolve issues where peace is absent. He advocated for collaborative efforts like the recent summit convened by the South African Development Community, which aims to establish a pathway to an immediate ceasefire.
In summary, the WFP has condemned the looting of critical humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, underscoring the further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in the DRC, particularly as M23 rebels advance. The urgent call for respect for international law and expanded diplomatic efforts reflects the complex and ongoing challenges faced in stabilizing the region amid significant displacement and conflict.
Original Source: news.un.org
