The UN World Food Programme condemned the looting of food supplies in Bukavu, DRC, following M23 rebels’ advances. Approximately 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid were stolen. UN officials warn of deteriorating humanitarian conditions and call for diplomatic solutions amidst the ongoing conflict and growing regional instability.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has expressed disapproval over the looting of significant amounts of relief supplies in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the recent advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The WFP indicated that this theft has severely impacted the distribution of vital food aid intended for vulnerable populations amid an escalating humanitarian crisis.
According to the WFP, approximately 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food supplies were stolen, exacerbating the already critical situation as violence increases. The agency remains prepared to resume aid operations once circumstances permit, emphasizing the urgency of protecting civilians and humanitarian workers under international law.
The M23 fighters have made considerable progress in eastern DRC, having taken control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The conflict has persisted in this resource-rich area for decades, leading to widespread displacement of residents and worsening humanitarian conditions.
Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s top humanitarian official in DRC, raised concerns about the decreasing availability of humanitarian routes necessary for aid operations. He noted that, before the latest M23 escalation, South Kivu was already experiencing a dire humanitarian situation, with approximately 1.65 million individuals displaced.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned against the potential for the conflict to lead to a regional war and advocated for diplomatic resolutions to the crisis. He emphasized the necessity for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC, urging for immediate peace efforts.
Guterres acknowledged the continuing support from the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, while noting that peacekeeping efforts cannot effectively address conflicts where no peace exists. He highlighted the importance of recent diplomatic initiatives by the Southern African Development Community, which provide pathways towards ceasefire and resolution.
In summary, the recent looting of WFP supplies in Bukavu underscores the severe humanitarian crisis in the DRC, exacerbated by the advances of M23 rebels. The situation necessitates urgent international attention and adherence to humanitarian principles to protect vulnerable populations. Diplomatic efforts, alongside robust humanitarian support, are critical in restoring stability in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
