CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF* (18 May)
Numerous violent clashes were reported in Butshori, Rusekera, Maroba, Tshajinge, Kagando, Kirumba and Shomi in the northeast of the country. Although there remain serious security hazards, the overall security situation DRC has been improving, making it easier to provide assistance to the internally displaced persons and returning refugees. The country has been granted a US$39 million loan by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the country's Poverty Reduction Strategy and Growth Facility (PRGF) to foster growth and reduce poverty in the country. The nutritional situation of the population is generally very poor throughout the country.