Brief International News: Sudan and DR Congo Elections, WFP Ceases Food Aid, Peacekeeping Leader Visits CAR.
The World Food Programme (WFP) stated that the choice made for safety reasons was a significant obstacle to humanitarian work in the primary food-producing region of the country. WFP staff had been consistently delivering assistance to more than 800,000 individuals, including those who had fled the conflict in Khartoum.
According to the United Nations agency, the continuous conflict creates significant obstacles for humanitarian organizations to provide aid securely. This task becomes even more difficult as the number of displaced individuals increases due to their desperate attempts to escape danger.
From refuge to battleground
“The ongoing conflict in Sudan has turned a previously safe haven into a violent battlefield,” stated Eddie Rowe, the WFP’s representative and country director. The national army and rival group Rapid Support Forces have been engaged in a brutal conflict since April, causing devastating harm to civilians.
This week, aid workers announced that any field operations in Al Jazirah State have been suspended indefinitely due to safety concerns.
Mr. Rowe stated that while they are dedicated to assisting the people of Sudan during their most desperate time, the protection of their employees and collaborators must be ensured.
The speaker stated that teams are tirelessly working to distribute food aid in accessible areas and will resume planned assistance in other locations when appropriate conditions are met.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently conducting presidential and parliamentary elections.
An appeal has been made by a United Nations official for peace and tranquility in anticipation of the results of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s election.
The UN’s envoy to the DRC has urged for a nonviolent and fair election as voting began on Wednesday.
Bintou Keita encouraged the people of Congo and political figures to peacefully fulfill their civic responsibilities and adhere to the laws of their nation.
She urged political parties and their candidates to remain peaceful while awaiting the announcement of results by the Independent Electoral Commission (CENI). She also advised them and the public to refrain from gathering at polling stations to avoid potential confrontations.
Ms. Keita praised the official national election observers for their diligent work in ensuring a fair process. She also reaffirmed the Secretary-General’s continuous support for the Congolese people as they strive for peace, democracy, and stability.
The media was addressed by Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN peacekeeping chief, in the Central African Republic.
The UN’s top official responsible for peacekeeping is currently visiting the Central African Republic to show support and solidarity.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the leader of UN Peace Operations, traveled to the Central African Republic on Wednesday for a three-day trip.
Mr. Lacroix addressed the media in Bangui, stating that his trip was a demonstration of solidarity and assistance for the people of the Central African Republic.
He has appointments with government officials, members of civil society, peacekeeping forces, and others, as well as a trip planned to the northern city of Birao.
During a recent event in Bangui, Valentine Rugwabiza, the leader of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to maintaining its collaboration with the Special Criminal Court within the nation.
The establishment of the Court occurred approximately ten years ago with the purpose of examining and bringing charges against severe international offenses that occurred during conflicts as far back as 2003.
The UN Mission, known as MINUSCA, is continuing its financial support to the Court’s activities with nearly $5 million until the end of 2024, which the Central African authorities have welcomed.
The origin of the news is the United Nations.
