WFP warns next 24 hours crucial for civilians in conflict-hit eastern DRC as supplies run low

JOHANNESBURG - The World Food Program (WFP) warns that the next 24 hours in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are very crucial for civilians as food and water supplies are running very low.

The M23 rebel group has been in combat with the Allied Democratic Forces since December 2023.

Millions of civilians are caught in the crossfire of the escalating conflict and violence in the regions.

The resource-rich country has been experiencing war for more than 30 years now.

The World Food Program says, however, that the recent conflict has caused a lot more difficulty for many in Goma, South, and north Kivu.

Deputy Director of WFP, Cynthia Jones, noted with concern that the supply chain and markets in these regions had been disrupted.

"Access to food, particularly in Goma, is serious. So, shortages, rising prices is the scenario. Internally, the internally displaced camps around Goma and spontaneous sites on the outskirts that were hosting up around 800,000 people are emptying out as people flee for safety.”

Jones said this conflict had hindered civilians' access to essentials they needed for survival.