FAO/GIEWS - Foodcrops & Shortages 06/01 - CONGO, REP OF (11 June)

CONGO, REP OF (11 June)

After below-average rains in January and February, precipitation increased in early March and became particularly abundant from mid-March to mid-April. However, it decreased in May but remained generally widespread, except in the south.

The overall food supply situation has improved. All areas are now accessible to humanitarian agencies. The bulk of the estimated 810 000 people displaced by the civil war have returned to their homes. There are about 100 000 refugees from the Equateur province of DRC in northern areas, notably in Betou, near the border with the Central African Republic. There are also 7 000 Rwandan/Burundian refugees and 18 000 Angolan refugees. WFP launched a new Emergency Operation to assist 50 000 refugees from the DRC over a period of 6 months. It is also providing food to some 120 000 persons in Brazzaville, Pointe Noire and other main towns.