FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 11/00 - CONGO, REP OF* (6 November)

CONGO, REP OF* (6 November)

Abundant and widespread rains in October benefited crops, except in the coastal areas. Following the December 1999 ceasefire between the government and opposition parties, the security situation improved and all areas are now accessible to humanitarian assistance, except for those in the north hosting DRC refugees. The bulk of the estimated 810 000 people displaced by the war have returned to their homes. The overall food supply situation improved significantly, notably in urban areas. However, the agriculture sector has yet to recover.

There are about 100 000 refugees from the Equateur province in DRC in northern areas, notably in Betou, near the border with the Central African Republic. There are also 5 000 Rwandan refugees and 8 000 Angolan refugees. WFP is providing food to some 120 000 persons in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire and other main towns. WFP recently launched a new Emergency Operation to assist 50 000 refugees from the DRC over a period of 6 months.

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