United Nations Radio

The World Food Programme today started distributions of food to various camps for internally displaced people in the conflict-torn eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The UN food agency says it is distributing a 20-day ration to over 50,000 people in three camps around Goma, the capital of the North Kivu Province.

Distribution in three other camps will follow.

WFP says more than 30,000 people will receive food rations in two other camps situated in the Masisi region which is under the control of rebel fighters loyal to Laurent Nkunda.

WFP spokesperson Emilia Casella says the distributions depend on the situation remaining calm and escorts by the UN Mission in the country.

She adds that even in the places where her agency is able to distribute food there are other challenges.

"And, unfortunately even in the places where we are able to send trucks the road conditions are a major challenge. There are heavy downpours happening through the entire area. And this is affecting the humanitarian assistance but obviously the vulnerable people who have been affected by this conflict even more than ever."

Emilia Casella says the agency is also setting up a new logistics hub in Beni north of North Kivu Province in order to receive food from Kampala.

She says WFP will begin to distribute to that area as well in the next three days.

Diane Bailey, United Nations Radio

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