Millions of Congolese face severe food insecurity, especially in the northeast, where fighting has claimed millions of lives. As part of his three-day visit to the DRC, the Holy Father is expected to meet with families displaced by conflict in the east.
This incredible number includes more than half a million people have been displaced from their homes in recent monthsUnited Nations World Food Program, WFP yes warning.
To help them, the United Nations agency has called on the international community to donate more than $627 million to fund critical humanitarian assistance this year.
Corruption speaks out
In a personal appeal of his own, Pope Francis is said to have called on Congolese youth to work for a better future and stay away from corruption, his Italian remarks translated into French for those gathered at the 80,000-capacity martyrs’ stadium in Kinshasa.
“You are part of a greater history, which calls you to play an active role as a builder of communion, a champion of brotherhood, an indomitable dreamer of a more unified world,” the pope said, calling on those listening to never succumb “to the persuasive but pernicious temptations of corruption.”
Severe famine affects a quarter
In 2022, WFP reaches the most vulnerable 5.4 million people in DR Congo with food and nutrition aid, with a focus on women and children in conflict.
But the need is huge in the Central African country, where more than 26 million people face severe hunger – more than a quarter of the country’s total population.
“I’ve seen with my own eyes that this country has so much potential to produce food for the people and create jobs for the youth,” said Peter Musoko, DRC Country Director and WFP Representative.
He expressed hope that the pope’s visit will help highlight the plight of millions of starving people in the central African country. for those for whom WFP is sometimes “the only stopgap against catastrophic food insecurity“.
“With the ongoing emergency and limited resources, we are calling on the international community 627.3 million USD in 2023“, said Mr. Musoko.
A 14-year-old boy rests at the hospital under the supervision of his aunt. The family was attacked by armed men in March 2022 in their village, in the vicinity of Bunia.
Goma shelter
A number of people displaced by violence in northeastern DR Congo, were found and supported by WFP and its partners, along with shelter at the Kanyaruchinya makeshift camp, outside the provincial capital of Goma.
There, farmer Dorati Ndagisa is living in poverty with her five children after being evicted from her home by armed groups, in the eastern province of Nord Kivu.
Her situation is mirrored by many othersThe result of chronic unrest related to conflicts between 1998 and 2003 over precious raw materials involved eight regional neighbors and gave birth to more than 100 armed groups that now terrorize communities. copper in eastern DR Congo.
“Before, I was a farmer and had a stable life,” said Ndagisa, who used to grow beans and potatoes in the village of Rugari, 35 kilometers away. “Since the war I have nothing, and I don’t know how to feed my children.”
