This report includes: A) East Africa: Regional Operation for Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire and Tanzania B) West Africa 1: Angola C) West Africa 2: Regional Operation for Liberia, Cote d'Ivoire and Guinea D) Former Yugoslavia.
>From B. Szynalski, Director, Operational Policy and Support Division. For information regarding resources, donors are requested to contact Ms. B. Karlstrom Dorph, Director, Resources Division, WFP Rome (Ph. 39 6 5228 2500)
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE AND TANZANIA
1. Burundi: a) Dramatic deterioration in security - WFP currently able to operate in Ngozi and Bujumbura only; b) Confirmed pledges needed to keep aircraft essential to aid operations running.
2. Rwanda: a) Land mines detonate on roads used by aid workers; b) Progress in developing more permanent location and distribution of food for Masisi refugees.
3. Zaire - Goma: a) Number of IDPs rises to 10,000 in Rutshuru; b) Armed confrontation between park guards and refugees protecting their economic activities; c) Bridge on Ishasha route needs urgent repairs.
4. Zaire - Bukavu: a) Airport road to Kalehe and Kabira camps closed in protest of local king not receiving indemnity; b) Compliance with Zairian policy to provide only limited essential services causes shortage of shelter and closes schools to refugee children.
5. Zaire - Uvira: Border closure constrains transfer of salt and sugar and reduces diesel supply.
6. Tanzania: a) Steady refugee flow due to worsening security in Burundi predicted to reach 100 per day; b) Government announces policy restricting refugee movement and economic activity.
B. WEST AFRICA 1: ANGOLA
1. Update: a) FAO/WFP Food and Crop Supply Assessment mission arrives; b) Special session of the Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Group held on security situation in Malange; c) Urgent need for sugar for demobilization and intensive feeding programmes - other commodities needing replenishment soon.
C. WEST AFRICA 2: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR LIBERIA, COTE D'IVOIRE AND GUINEA
1. Liberia - Monrovia: a) Water supply and food situation of concern; b) WFP-chartered shuttle helps resupply remaining UN staff with food, communications equipment and fuel; c) WFP coordinates all food distribution - from April 19-25, 800 mt distributed; d) WFP constrained by small size of staff authorized to stay in Monrovia under UN security instructions.
D. FORMER YUGOSLAVIA
1. Overview: WFP food aid crossing all borders and entering all regions without difficulty.
2. Bosnia-Herzegovina: First phase normalization of WFP food aid delivery with commercial trucks completed.
PART II - DETAILS
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE AND TANZANIA
1. BURUNDI
1.1 Security has deteriorated dramatically throughout the entire country. Ngozi and Bujumbura are the only two areas where WFP can currently carry out activities. WFP teams continue distribution to IDPs in Ngozi after several halts due to insecurity. Programmed WFP missions to Rutana have been put on hold. The Ngozi-Muyinga road has been closed to all traffic several times again this week.
1.2 International relief workers have been targeted by bandits in Bujumbura.
1.3 Central Burundi: ICRC evacuated its staff from Gitega following the explosion of 2 grenades near their compound. Distribution of WFP food has been carried out by CRS, through the Diocese of Gitega. 1.4 Bujumbura rural: New rehabilitation projects signed with WFP partners for Rubirizi health center reconstruction, road canalization in Mubimbi, and a communal plant nursery. 1.5 Northern Burundi: In accordance with the conclusions and recommendations of the fourth meeting of the Tripartite Commission on the Repatriation of Rwandan Refugees, 36 refugee "intimidators" have been transferred to Mubuga. 1.6 Pledges for the Twin Otter aircraft operation must be confirmed quickly to ensure the continuation of this service, which is essential to humanitarian aid operations in Ngozi, Gitega and Kirundo. Meanwhile, WFP has reduced flying hours and tightened passenger regulations. ECHO to conduct an air operations feasibility study.
2. RWANDA
2.1 Cyangugu Prefecture: A number of land mines were detonated on roads frequently used by humanitarian aid personnel, including WFP.
2.2 Due to continued insecurity in some areas, a WFP country office meeting on April 26 will discuss security and contingency plans, along with reassessment of work-plans and achievements of WFP-supported food for work (FFW) programmes.
2.3 More than half of the 5,680 Zairian refugees from Masisi have already been transferred to a new camp site identified by the Government near Gisenyi port. WFP/Rwanda has initiated discussions with UNHCR and the Government in order to establish a more permanent food distribution system. 2.4 Region Sanitaire and Merlin (NGO) are carrying out a nutritional survey in the Gisenyi refugee camp. Meanwhile, due to the apparent malnutrition, WFP will distribute biscuits and corn soya blend (CSB) to 550 refugee children under five years of age. 2.5 WFP/Rwanda has started assessment of all WFP-supported FFW projects in order to determine the level of women's involvement and further improve the realisation of WFP's commitments for women.
2.6 A meeting was held at the Ministry of Agriculture to evaluate the impact of agricultural assistance, including seeds and tools distribution, on Rwandan farmers during the second harvest in mid-1996, assess current levels of their vulnerability, and discuss the most effective approaches for the third harvest in the second half of 1996. 2.7 During the past week, WFP/Rwanda received 1,011 mt of food and distributed 871 mt, assisting 52,000 beneficiaries. The current in-country stocks as of 22 April include 8,369 mt of food covering six weeks.
2.8 Transit centres in Rwanda received a total of 2,023 returnees from neighbouring countries this week: 1,327 from Zaire, 469 from Burundi, 13 from Tanzania and 214 from Uganda.
3. ZAIRE - GOMA
3.1 In the town of Rutshuru, north of Goma, the number of internally displaced persons from various tribal groups has risen from 4,000 to 10,000. The immediate needs of this population are being evaluated by four agencies active in the area: ICRC for lodging, Caritas for food, OXFAM for water, and ECZ-Eglise du Christ au Zaire for food and health.
3.2 Markets in all camps have been closed for weeks and other refugee coping mechanisms have been reduced. Black markets in the camps abound. An armed confrontation was reported in the national park between park guards and an armed group of refugees protecting their illicit charcoal and meat market.
3.3 Firewood provision is not meeting minimal needs, with continued negative impact on the environment.
3.4 In preparation for the upcoming census tentatively scheduled for the beginning of June, UNHCR, with the assistance of WFP, will verify lists of refugees in Katale, Kahindo and Kibumba camps next week.
3.5 Following the closure of supplementary feeding programmes last week, the number of beneficiaries in therapeutic feeding programmes in camp hospitals has increased.
3.6 190 refugees were repatriated this week by UNHCR.
3.7 117 trucks crossed the Ishasha border, carrying a total of 2,593 mt of foodstuffs. 502 mt were dispatched by barge to Bukavu. A dilapidated bridge 31 km south of Ishasha on the main route for the pipeline requires urgent repairs, due to security problems on the alternate Bunagana route.
4. ZAIRE - BUKAVU
4.1 Burundi closed its border with Zaire on April 15 in response to militia activity along the border.
4.2 This week, the local Muwame (king) of Kalehe region closed the airport road to Goma leading to Kalehe and Kabira camps in protest of not receiving indemnities from UNHCR.
4.3 General security situation remains precarious. During the night of April 17, thieves broke into a WFP international staff's house; no one was hurt. Similar incidents occurred in the shared residence and office compound of ECHO and OMS.
4.4 WFP/Bukavu logistics has improved the transport capacity to both Uvira and Goma camps.
4.5 Present Bukavu stocks are healthy: 1,320 mt of foodstuffs were received, 669 mt from Goma and the balance from Uvira. However, Bukavu's pipeline is threatened with the closure of the border between Burundi and Zaire. WFP/Kigoma as a result has to supply 50 percent of Bukavu's needs (2,500 mt per month) and 100 percent of Uvira's needs (2,800 mt per month) with Zairian barges. Bukavu's fuel availability is also threatened by the border closure and the falling of a bridge between Goma and Bukavu.
4.6 In compliance with a Zairian government policy prohibiting programmes which improve the refugees' situation, only limited essential services are being supplied to all the camps. As a result, most camps are suffering from a lack of shelter, as new sheeting is not being distributed. Schools are still closed to all refugee children, thus increasing the number of children in the streets.
4.7 Repatriation figures are low this week (only 23).
5. ZAIRE - UVIRA
5.1 The updated official population figure for Uvira camps resulting from the recent Luvungi census is 158,113 (68,276 Rwandans and 89,837 Burundians). 5.2 The closure of the border with Burundi has also created constraints for WFP/Uvira operations. Transfer of recently arrived salt and sugar for Uvira from Bujumbura is currently not possible and the supply of diesel for two generators and one light vehicle has been reduced.
6. TANZANIA
6.1 Due to the worsening security situation in Burundi, WFP/Ngara reports a steady influx of refugees arriving without personal belongings. 107 refugees arrived at Mbuba reception centre in Ngara April 19. UNHCR/Ngara estimates that the tense situation could lead to an influx of 100 refugees per day.
6.2 On April 18, the Regional Commissioner informed the refugee community of the Government of Tanzania's policy effective 1 June 1996: no refugee is allowed to move beyond four km of the camp, to engage in any business activity without a valid licence, nor to farm without a special agreement with the village committee.
6.3 In Rubwera camp, identification of refugees without ration cards is ongoing as a result of contradictory caseload figures during recent distributions.
6.4 The refugee population as of April 21 is 123,357.
B. WEST AFRICA 1: ANGOLA
1. Update
1.1 This year's FAO/WFP crop assessment mission arrived 22 April 1996 and undertook field visits in two groups accompanied by observers from the EU.
1.2 A special meeting of the Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Group was held 22 April to discuss the difficult and tense security situation in Malange and its effects on the living conditions of the population. It was agreed that a group, under the coordination of WFP, would elaborate a strategy to present to the Humanitarian Assistance Coordination Group next month.
1.3 WFP is facing an immediate shortage of sugar for distribution in the quartering areas. WFP Headquarters has authorized the local purchase of 100 mt of sugar from a cash donation in order to alleviate the immediate shortfall. However, an additional 124 mt will be required.
1.4 Given the delay in the demobilization and reintegration exercise, current stocks of commodities will be insufficient to cover needs until the end of the quartering phase, now foreseen for October 1996. ICRC has requested that WFP begin supplying the four quartering areas currently under its responsibility starting 1 June 1996. Current stocks of beans and oil are anticipated to be exhausted within 50 days. Rice, canned fish, meat, salt, CSB and maize will last for 100 to 200 days. WFP in-country stocks from other projects could be used to meet any shortfalls. However, donor contributions to cover such loans would have to be forthcoming.
1.5 Demobilization update: As of 24 April 1996, the total number of quartered UNITA troops for Vila Nova, Londuimbali, Negage, Quibaxe, N'gove, Quibala, N'tuco and Andulo is 20,485, of dependents, 18,406, and of weapons handed over, 17,161.
C. WEST AFRICA 2: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR LIBERIA, COTE D'IVOIRE AND GUINEA
1. LIBERIA - MONROVIA
1.1 Monrovia is devastated, but large groups of people are returning. Displaced persons who have no home to return to or who feel unsafe are staying in concentration zones or around hospitals where they receive assistance from WFP. Rogue armed groups still roam the city, but their numbers are diminishing as NPFL and ECOMOG regain control of Monrovia. 1.2 The water supply and the food situation are of utmost concern, although some previously looted food is beginning to be offered for sale in small quantities. Makeshift mini-markets are appearing, but food prices are up to four times their pre-crisis level. 1.3 The shuttle of WFP-chartered vessels between Monrovia and Freetown has continued, and has helped to resupply the remaining UN staff with food, communication equipment and fuel. This fuel has allowed WFP to resume large-scale humanitarian distributions. 1.4 As all international NGOs have left Monrovia during the last two weeks, WFP has taken over the coordination of all food requests and distribution with its own staff and national NGO personnel who have remained. A programme of work dividing Monrovia in eight sectors is being implemented under WFP supervision. 1.5 Distributions for an indicative target of 692,000 will continue on a temporary and contingent basis until order is reestablished.
1.6 From April 19-25, WFP has been able to distribute close to 800 mt in and around Monrovia. WFP now controls 23 trucks and is able to distribute from 150 - 300 mt daily, depending on security conditions. 1.7 WFP is currently constrained by the small size of its professional staff allowed to stay in Monrovia under UN security instructions (currently the Country Director, an Assistant Project Officer and a Port Captain).
D. FORMER YUGOSLAVIA
1. OVERVIEW
1.1 Security and freedom of movement throughout the area of operations is good. Following successful deliveries to Sector East and Gorazde in the past week, WFP food aid on commercial trucks is now crossing all inter-entity borders and entering all regions without difficulties.
2. BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA
2.1 Food supply is good, with deliveries of WFP food aid from the ports mostly completed and distribution well under way. This concludes the first phase in the normalisation of WFP food aid deliveries, using commercial trucks instead of escorted international convoys.
2.2 Transport from the Croatian port of Ploce to Bosnian mills for the first phase of a WFP rehabilitation programme (processing of 35,000 mt of WFP wheat grain) has been completed. Ten thousand mt of grain, more than twice the monthly requirement, is now in stock in Sarajevo. Distribution of the milled grain has already begun in Tuzla.
3. SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
3.1 In spite of some reported returnees to Bosnia, the need for food aid in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY) has not decreased.
3.2 The second WFP local purchase in Serbia of 900 mt of wheat flour is now under way. The first direct deliveries by commercial trucks of food aid to Serbia from Croatia began during the reporting week.
3.3 WFP completed unloading a vessel which recently arrived at the Montenegrin port of Bar. More than 1,200 mt, one fifth of the monthly requirement, were delivered from FRY to Republika Srpska.
4. CROATIA
4.1 Access to Sector East has improved despite increased tension. Fifty mt of WFP wheat flour have been delivered by commercial truck direct from Finland to Vukovar, the first such delivery of UN aid to the region. A further 550 mt will be delivered in the coming week.
(End WFP Emergency Report No. 16 of 1996 - April 26, 1996)