DRC: WFP’s urgent appeal for humanitarian aid in eastern Congo
The World Food Programme (WFP) has issued an urgent appeal for an additional $378.1 million to sustain its food, cash, and nutritional assistance to approximately 1.7 million people in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the next six months.
Despite available resources, the WFP has only been able to reach one million people per month so far in 2024. Resource limitations, compounded by gaps in the food supply chain and an increasing number of people in need, have forced the agency to scale back its aid. This reduction aims to maximize the use of the currently limited resources.
In the second quarter of the year, the WFP reached an average of 386.000 people per month in North Kivu province. This figure represents a significant decrease from the monthly average in the first quarter. The WFP had to adopt a strict prioritization strategy in response to the rising number of displaced persons in and around Goma camps. Distribution programs for cash, food, and nutrition had to adapt to cover both new arrivals and older cases.
It is worth noting that the Congolese state has recently intensified its efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the populations of eastern DRC, a region plagued by armed conflicts and massive population displacements. Facing a persistent humanitarian crisis, Congolese authorities, in collaboration with international partners, have implemented several initiatives to alleviate suffering and address the urgent needs of affected communities.
Through a multifaceted approach involving food distribution, health support, relocation, security, and international cooperation, Congolese authorities aim to bring lasting relief to communities affected by the crisis. However, the situation remains precarious and requires ongoing attention and increased support from the international community to achieve lasting stability and security in the region.
