UN asks for urgent financial support for humanitarian operation in Congo



08/23/2023 10:07 AM


The initiative requires $728 million, according to Peter Musoko, head of the WFP office in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.



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The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) urged governments, donors, and partner organizations to provide immediate support for its humanitarian operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

According to Peter Musoko, the head of WFP's office in the DRC, the financing gap for the relief program for the next six months is $567 million.

"Funding has almost dried up," he said. "WFP need $728 million to support the eastern region's response. Sadly, there is a startling $567 million budget shortfall that represents 78% of the money required for the upcoming six months," according to Musoko.

The WFP chief of office called for "averting a humanitarian catastrophe" and stated that the situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo "requires immediate attention, with people's lives at stake." "We request assistance from governments, donors, and humanitarian partners during this challenging period," he said.

"Food production and distribution systems have been disrupted by the ongoing political instability and armed conflicts in the DRC," Musoko added. It is estimated that 25.8 million people in the DRC experience "food insecurity."

source: reuters.com

 


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