Improved security results in better humanitarian access

The UN country team also wished to stress that the greatly improved security situation in the country was facilitating better access for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to needy populations in the interior. Better security conditions were “making it possible for large numbers to attempt to reach Brazzaville by foot”, the statement said. “Many had come to Kinkala in the hope of finding food, but were disappointed,” it added. The Kinkala mission, under army escort, had enjoyed “strong participation” from the government and was organised by the ministry for health and humanitarian assistance. “Having had little humanitarian access to the affected parts of the country during 1999, outside of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, the humanitarian community may soon be able to begin reaching displaced rural populations for the first time,” the statement concluded.