The WFP has condemned the looting of 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, DRC, as M23 rebels advance with little resistance. The looting intensifies an already critical humanitarian situation as the UN stresses the need for adherence to international laws. Efforts for diplomatic resolution are urged amid fears of regional conflict escalation.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) condemned the extensive looting of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the advance of M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda. It was reported that the rebels encountered minimal resistance. The WFP highlighted that the stolen 7,000 tonnes of food were intended to support vulnerable families amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis.
In a statement, the WFP expressed its readiness to resume essential food aid, contingent on the safety of operations, as violence intensifies and food access dwindles. The agency emphasized the necessity for all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian law principles, particularly regarding the protection of both civilians and humanitarian workers.
As the conflict escalates, M23 fighters continue their territorial gains in eastern DRC, having previously captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. This region has faced prolonged violence from numerous armed groups, resulting in the dislocation of hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s top aid official in the DRC, recently warned that the lack of humanitarian access routes poses significant threats to aid operations in the mineral-rich region. He noted that prior to the M23’s recent offensives, the humanitarian landscape in South Kivu was already extremely critical, with approximately 1.65 million people displaced from their homes.
During the African Union Summit, UN Secretary-General António Guterres raised concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate into a regional war. He called for African diplomatic efforts to address the situation, stating, “It is time to silence the guns, it is time for diplomacy and dialogue.” He asserted that the sovereignty of the DRC must be respected.
Furthermore, Mr. Guterres indicated that while the UN peacekeeping force, MONUSCO, would continue its support, the existing lack of peace limits their effectiveness. He argued for the need for a concerted African initiative to address the conflict, referencing a joint summit of the South African Development Community in Tanzania that prioritized an immediate ceasefire.
The recent looting of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu underscores the dire humanitarian crisis in the DRC, exacerbated by the M23 rebels’ advances. The WFP’s commitment to aiding vulnerable populations remains steadfast, emphasizing the importance of international humanitarian law. As the conflict threatens to escalate regionally, proactive diplomatic measures are crucial to restoring peace and stability.
Original Source: news.un.org
