WFP Condemns Looting in Bukavu Amid M23 Rebel Advances
The WFP condemned the looting of relief supplies in Bukavu, DRC, where M23 rebels advanced with little resistance. A theft of 7,000 tonnes of essential food highlighted the worsening humanitarian crisis. The UN stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian obligations and called for diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and protect civilians.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a condemnation regarding the looting of significant quantities of humanitarian supplies in Bukavu, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following the advance of M23 rebels. These rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, encountered little opposition over the weekend as they took control of the area, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The looting resulted in the theft of 7,000 tonnes of essential food supplies, which were intended to assist vulnerable families in the region. The WFP emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “the food supplies kept there were meant to provide vital support to the most vulnerable families who now face a growing humanitarian crisis.” The organization is prepared to resume vital aid efforts once it is deemed safe to proceed.
In light of the escalating violence, the WFP has called upon all conflict parties to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel. The conflict has persisted for decades in eastern DRC, displacing hundreds of thousands and continuously threatening peace in this mineral-rich area.
Humanitarian operations have been critically hindered, with the area facing blocked aid routes. Bruno Lemarquis, the top UN aid official in the DRC, recently warned of the dire humanitarian situation already present prior to the latest offensive by M23. Over 1.65 million individuals, approximately 20 percent of South Kivu’s populace, have been displaced due to ongoing violence.
On Saturday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concerns that the conflict might escalate into a regional war. He underscored the necessity for African diplomacy to mediate the situation, insisting, “it’s time for diplomacy and dialogue.” He stressed the importance of respecting DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in efforts to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Guterres reaffirmed the commitment of MONUSCO, the UN’s peacekeeping arm in the DRC, to continue supporting local peace initiatives, albeit recognizing that a peacekeeping force cannot resolve the issues without existing peace. He underscored the crucial need for effective African diplomacy, as demonstrated during a recent summit organized by the South African Development Community in Tanzania, which aimed to pave the way for an immediate ceasefire.
The situation in Bukavu represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis in the DRC, with WFP condemning the recent looting of humanitarian supplies. The international community is urged to uphold humanitarian law, while diplomatic efforts are crucial for restoring stability. The ongoing conflict continues to displace many, emphasizing the need for effective resolution and support for vulnerable populations in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
