FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 10/00 - CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF* (15 September)

CONGO, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF* (15 September)

The civil conflict continues to escalate. Intense fighting in the past weeks was reported around the northwestern city of Dongo but also in the eastern town of Butembo, 80 km from the Ugandan border, and in Walikale district. The hostilities have resulted in further displacement of people into the forests. The already serious food supply situation, following the disruption of agricultural production, is worsening with constant population movements, as living conditions in the forests are inhospitable. Overall, it is estimated that over one million people are internally displaced. The food and nutrition situation of the displaced is precarious but insecurity and closure of roads hamper distribution of humanitarian assistance. The food supply situation is also tight in urban areas, particularly in the capital city Kinshasa, with a population of 7 million, as a result of the general disruption of economic and marketing activities and the large influx of displaced people. An FAO Crop and Food Supply Assessment Mission will visit the provinces of Kinshasa, Bandundu and Bas-Congo from 21 September to 10 October to evaluate the situation in accessible areas.

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