The WFP condemned the theft of 7,000 tonnes of food supplies in Bukavu due to M23 rebel activity, endangering vulnerable families amidst the ongoing crisis. The organization is ready to resume aid once it is safe. UN Secretary-General António Guterres calls for diplomacy to address the potential for regional conflict, urging respect for DRC’s sovereignty.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a strong condemnation regarding the recent looting of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This incident occurred as M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, advanced into the city over the weekend. The UN agency stated that the stolen food supplies, totaling 7,000 tonnes, were intended for vulnerable families who are now facing an escalating humanitarian crisis.
The WFP emphasized that as violence escalates and food access becomes more challenging, it remains prepared to resume food aid operations when it is deemed safe. The agency urged all conflicting parties to adhere to international humanitarian laws, emphasizing the need for protecting civilians and humanitarian operatives amidst the turmoil. The situation in eastern DRC has been continually worsening due to decades of conflict involving numerous armed groups, displacing hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Furthermore, Bruno Lemarquis, the top UN aid official in the DRC, has highlighted a critical shortage of humanitarian routes affecting aid delivery in South Kivu. Even prior to the recent M23 offensive, the humanitarian conditions in the region were dire, with approximately 1.65 million people displaced. In light of these developments, UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned of the potential for the conflict to escalate into a regional war, advocating for immediate diplomatic resolutions to the crisis.
While addressing reporters at the African Union Summit, Mr. Guterres asserted, “It is time to silence the guns; it is time for diplomacy and dialogue. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.” He also acknowledged the ongoing support from MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in DRC, though he noted that a peacekeeping force alone cannot resolve the problems due to the absence of an existing peace. Effective African diplomacy and unity are deemed essential for successful conflict resolution.
In summary, the recent looting of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, amid the advancing M23 rebels, severely impacts vulnerable populations in the DRC. The WFP has condemned these actions and calls for all parties to uphold humanitarian laws. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes the necessity of diplomatic efforts to address the tripling crisis and restore peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
