This Operation has been modified and extended in time as per Budget revision 7 (see below).

Since 1996, armed conflicts have caused an economic and social crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, exacerbating poverty and the living conditions of the most vulnerable groups. A third of children under 5 suffer from chronic malnutrition (stunting), and 13 percent are affected by acute global malnutrition.1 Annual gross domestic product per capita is US$119. The country ranks 167th of 177 countries in the Human Development Index of the United Nations Development Programme.

Despite the peace process leading to presidential, national and local elections in the latter part of 2006, conflict continues, particularly in the east, creating instability and preventing the return of internally displaced people and refugees. The humanitarian community has therefore prepared a “2007 Humanitarian Action Plan” to assist victims of conflict and help them to return to normal life.

WFP’s basic role will respond to emergencies and organize recovery activities, giving priority support to internally displaced people and returnees who are victims of conflict,3 especially women and children. The operation will focus on areas at risk of serious food insecurity, particularly in the east and Katanga. WFP has closed several of its sub-offices in the areas less affected by food insecurity and foresees a reduction in the level of aid in 2009.

The operation will improve logistics capabilities, promote local purchasing to reduce logistics costs and support local agriculture. Between July 2007 and December 2009, WFP will supply 3.4 million beneficiaries with 210,084 mt of food – 164,745 mt for relief operations and 45,339 mt for recovery.

Countries

Congo, Democratic Republic Of

Since 1996, the Democratic Republic of Congo has been cursed by conflict, which has devastated and destabilised the country and claimed the lives of an estimated five million civilians....