WFP planning to expand operations

As of 20 May, a total of 1,300 UN peacekeepers have been deployed in Mbandaka, Kisangani, Goma, Kalemie and Kananga. With the expected improved access, the World Food Programme (WFP) said it was planning to expand operations, starting with assessments in areas so far inaccessible. WFP Emergency Response Teams (ERT) that arrived in the county a few weeks ago will be based in Mbandaka, Kalemie, Lubumbashi and Bukavu. In its latest update, WFP also reported that clashes between various forces in the Nyamitwitwi, Walikale and Butembo areas of North Kivu province had caused new population movements and in many cases, the suspension of feeding programmes. The security situation in most of Katanga province had stabilised but was precarious in areas closer to the frontline, WFP said. “Despite the deployment of UN peacekeeping troops, many armed groups remain active in the area, according to the local population,” it added.