WFP Condemns Looting of Aid Supplies in DR Congo Amid Escalating Crisis
The World Food Programme (WFP) has strongly denounced the looting of its warehouses in Bukavu, South Kivu, warning that the stolen food supplies were intended to assist the most vulnerable families facing an escalating humanitarian crisis.
In a statement issued online on Monday, the UN food agency revealed that 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian food aid were taken during the rampage. The WFP emphasized its commitment to resuming food distribution once safety conditions allow, noting that the increasing violence is making food access even more difficult.
The agency also called on all parties involved in the conflict to respect international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers.
Rising Violence Amid M23 Rebel Advances
These developments occur as M23 rebel forces continue to gain ground in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The group seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, at the end of January.
The mineral-rich region has been plagued by violence for decades, with numerous armed groups operating in the area. The recent fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Aid Routes Blocked
Bruno Lemarquis, the top UN humanitarian official in DRC, warned last Thursday that humanitarian aid efforts are being severely hampered by blocked routes.
Even before the M23’s latest offensive, the humanitarian situation in South Kivu was already critical. Approximately 1.65 million people—over 20% of the province’s population—had been displaced due to conflict and other crises.
Amid growing regional tensions, UN Secretary-General António Guterres cautioned on Saturday that the conflict could escalate into a regional war. Speaking at the African Union Summit, he urged African nations to use diplomacy to de-escalate tensions, stating:
“It’s time to silence the guns, it’s time for diplomacy and dialogue. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.”
While the UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO will continue to provide support, Guterres emphasized that peacekeeping forces alone cannot resolve the crisis, stressing the need for strong African-led diplomatic efforts.
330,000 More Children Forced Out of School
Meanwhile, the worsening conflict has forced over 2,500 schools to close in both North Kivu and South Kivu, according to UNICEF.
This has resulted in a devastating increase in the number of children out of school—from 465,000 in December 2024 to 795,000 today. Schools have been shuttered, damaged, or even repurposed as shelters for displaced families.
“This is a desperate situation for children,” said **Jean Francois Basse, UNICEF’s acting Representative in DRC**. “Education—and the support systems it provides—is what children need to retain a sense of normalcy and to recover after this conflict.”
In response, UNICEF is working with partners to establish temporary learning spaces, distribute school materials, and explore radio-based education to reach the most affected children.
To address the crisis, UNICEF is seeking $52 million to support 480,000 children who currently lack access to education across DRC.
A Growing Humanitarian Emergency
As the situation deteriorates, humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid amid rising insecurity and logistical challenges. With no clear resolution in sight, millions of displaced families, malnourished children, and conflict-affected civilians remain in urgent need of support.
The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire, but until stability returns, food insecurity, displacement, and the loss of education for children will continue to deepen the crisis in one of Africa’s most conflict-ridden regions.
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