UN World Food Programme Faces Funding Crisis in Congo, May Pause Aid
The UN agency may have to halt food assistance for millions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo due to historically low funding levels.
The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has issued a dire warning that it may be forced to suspend food aid to millions of malnourished individuals in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by February.
This decision comes as a result of a severe funding crisis, with the organization having received only approximately $150 million this year compared to the required $350 million needed for its operations in the country.
Cynthia Jones, the country director of WFP for the DRC, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that continuing aid at the current reduced level of 600,000 people per month would exhaust the organization's resources by February or March.
Previously, the WFP was able to provide food assistance to about 1 million individuals monthly.
The crisis is exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the region, which has left more than 3.2 million people facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity, characterized by significant food deficits and high rates of acute malnutrition.
The conflict, involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces, has been marked by allegations of human rights abuses on all sides.
The recent advances made by the M23 rebels in South Kivu province have further strained resources.
In recent years, WFP had relied on funding ranging from $380 million to $600 million annually.
The current shortfall is compounded by significant cuts in foreign aid from major donors, including the United States and European nations, which have redirected funds towards defense spending amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
This decision comes as a result of a severe funding crisis, with the organization having received only approximately $150 million this year compared to the required $350 million needed for its operations in the country.
Cynthia Jones, the country director of WFP for the DRC, highlighted the urgency of the situation, emphasizing that continuing aid at the current reduced level of 600,000 people per month would exhaust the organization's resources by February or March.
Previously, the WFP was able to provide food assistance to about 1 million individuals monthly.
The crisis is exacerbated by ongoing conflict in the region, which has left more than 3.2 million people facing emergency levels of acute food insecurity, characterized by significant food deficits and high rates of acute malnutrition.
The conflict, involving Rwandan-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces, has been marked by allegations of human rights abuses on all sides.
The recent advances made by the M23 rebels in South Kivu province have further strained resources.
In recent years, WFP had relied on funding ranging from $380 million to $600 million annually.
The current shortfall is compounded by significant cuts in foreign aid from major donors, including the United States and European nations, which have redirected funds towards defense spending amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
