The UN WFP condemned the theft of 7,000 tonnes of food supplies in Bukavu, DRC, following the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The stolen food was intended for vulnerable families facing a humanitarian crisis. Amid ongoing violence, the WFP and UN officials stress the need for adherence to international humanitarian law and increased diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and stabilize the region.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly condemned the looting of significant relief supplies in Bukavu, located in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The looting occurred after the M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda, advanced into the city with minimal resistance over the weekend. The WFP stated that the stolen supplies, totaling 7,000 tonnes, were designated for vulnerable families facing a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
In its statement, the WFP expressed grave concerns over the theft, highlighting the dire need for food aid as violence escalates and access to sustenance diminishes. The organization assured that it stands ready to continue essential food assistance as soon as conditions allow for safe delivery. Furthermore, the WFP called on all conflict parties to adhere to international humanitarian laws, emphasizing the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
As the M23 insurgents continue to make territorial gains in eastern DRC, including capturing Goma, the humanitarian situation remains precarious. The ongoing conflicts in this mineral-rich area have persisted for decades, displacing hundreds of thousands of individuals. Bruno Lemarquis, the UN’s senior aid official in DRC, noted a critical shortage of humanitarian access routes, which further complicates relief efforts in South Kivu, a province facing severe humanitarian challenges even before the recent turmoil.
Last week, UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned of a potential escalation of the conflict into a regional war. He emphasized the necessity for African nations to engage diplomatically to address the crisis. During the African Union Summit, he reiterated that it is crucial to cease hostilities and respect the DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging a shift towards dialogue and understanding.
Guterres affirmed that MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in DRC, will continue its support but noted that a peacekeeping presence alone cannot resolve the ongoing conflict. He stressed the importance of establishing an effective African diplomatic framework and highlighted the significance of recent summits, such as that convened by the Southern African Development Community in Tanzania, which proposed a pathway for an immediate ceasefire, crucial to restoring peace in the region.
The looting of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu represents a critical escalation in the DRC crisis, exacerbating the humanitarian situation for many vulnerable families. The WFP’s condemnation underscores the urgent need for adherence to international law to ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers. Diplomatic efforts are emphasized as essential for addressing the conflict and restoring stability, with the UN urging a focus on peaceful resolutions through African collaboration.
Original Source: news.un.org
