United Nations Radio

In the latest expansion of its operations in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the World Food Programme (WFP) and its partner Caritas have completed the first round of emergency food distributions to more than 18,000 displaced people in and around Dungu in Orientale Province, near the Sudanese and Ugandan borders.

Displaced Father and son

The displaced are victims of recent attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).
WFP says the situation in the area remains extremely volatile, with LRA elements attacking several communities, killing civilians, burning houses and abducting children and adults. Recent reports of new massacres in the region have raised fears that the need for humanitarian assistance may increase significantly in the coming weeks. WFP will conduct a rapid assessment in the affected areas and will provide assistance as necessary with partner Caritas.
WFP and its partners are on track to reach an estimated 755,000 displaced people across eastern DRC with monthly food rations in December. This includes 540,000 displaced in North Kivu alone, following the upsurge in fighting there late in 2008.
WFP has been delivering food and other humanitarian supplies for around 30,000 people in and around the town of Dungu in Orientale Province by air from Entebbe in Uganda.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

(duration: 1'17")