Report No. 50 of 1996 Date: 20 December 1996
This report includes: A) Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire and Tanzania
B) Chechnya C) Liberia D) Angola
>From P. Ares, Chief, Programming Service. Available on the
Internet at WFP Home Page http://www.org/wfp/ or by e-mail from
HicksDeb@wfp.org (fax 39 6 5228 2837). For information
regarding resources, donors are requested to contact Mr. F.
Strippoli or Ms. A. Blum, WFP Rome (telephone 39 6 5228 2504 or
5228 2004).
Please note: no Emergency Report will be issued on 27 December.
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS
(Details below in Part II)
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE
AND TANZANIA. Information as of 19 December.
1. Tanzania
a) Refugees who left the Ngara camps on 12 and 13 December
cross into Rwanda throughout the week.
b) Repatriation from the Karagwe camps scheduled to begin on
18 December. Some 120,000 Rwandan refugees remain in or near
the Karagwe camps. Way stations being established between
Karagwe and Rusumo border point.
2. Rwanda
a) Massive influx of returning Rwandan refugees from Tanzania
between 14 and 18 December estimated at 255,000.
b) Returnees assisted at border by Rwandan Red Cross, and at
way-stations along the route to home communes with high-protein
biscuits provided by WFP. General distributions begin in Rusumo
commune, Kibungo prefecture, where over 100,000 returnees
expected. Food aid supplies in Kibungo assured from WFP stocks
placed ahead of time in the prefecture.
c) Returnees continue to arrive from Zaire; 9,000 returnees
arrive via Gisenyi and 1,100 via Cyangugu, 10 and 16 December.
d) WFP food-for-work projects to be expanded to address food
shortages in Gikongoro and Butare prefectures.
e) To avoid dependency, WFP general food aid rations to
returnees will be decreased by 30 percent after the first month
of assistance, and food-for-work programmes expanded to assist
in the reintegration process. Nutritional situation will be
monitored carefully.
3. Eastern Zaire
a) UN mission to Lobutu estimates total of 120,000 refugees
and internally displaced persons in the area. More refugees
expected.
b) WFP airlift into Kisangani from Kampala begins 18 December.
c) Distribution of assistance to refugees in eastern Zaire
moving towards Rwanda continues, as well as to Zaireans
returning to Goma.
4. Burundi
a) Many areas of the country remain unsafe. Southern Kayanza
province has calmed, but problems remain in northern part of
the province. Situation tense in Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza, and
Muramvya provinces.
b) Increasing number of mine incidents may affect access by
aid agencies.
c) Massive increase in the numbers of displaced persons in
need of food as fighting intensifies and new displaced sites
are created.
B. RUSSIAN FEDERATION - CHECHNYA
1. Update
a) Six ICRC delegates assassinated by unknown gunmen in
Chechnya on 17 December.
b) UNHCR and Medecins Sans Frontieres workers held up for
several hours at roadblock raised by Chechen fighters near the
Daghestan border.
c) All aid agencies withdraw from Chechnya. WFP food
distributions halted in Daghestan, east of Chechnya.
C. LIBERIA
1. Update
a) Demobilisation suspended in Cape Mount County on 19
December due to insecurity. Aid workers and local population
harrassed by Krahn wing of ULIMO-J, who demand food for their
fighters and have threatened to close roads to the region.
b) ECOMOG patrols of the highway to the area increase.
c) Demobilisation starts in Tappita at NPFL base.
d) Reintegration projects for demobilised soldiers begin.
D. ANGOLA
1. Update
a) UNAVEM III mandate extended through 28 February 1997.
b) The Joint Commission declares that UNITA has met all
military obligations under the Lusaka Peace Protocol.
c) Quartering and demobilisation of UNITA troops continues.
PART II - DETAILS
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE
AND TANZANIA - Most information as of 19 December 1996
1. TANZANIA - information as of 19 December
1.1 Most of the Rwandan refugees who left the Ngara camps on 12
and 13 December have crossed into Rwanda after initially moving
in other directions inside Tanzania. Nearly all those returning
to Rwanda so far are from the Ngara camps, except for some 2,000
refugees from the Karagwe region. The flow from the Ngara camps
towards the border continues. The repatriation exercise from the
Karagwe camps was scheduled to begin on 18 December. The
estimated number of Rwandan refugees remaining in or near the
Karagwe camps is 120,000. Way stations are being set up to
provide essential services from Karagwe to the Rusumo border
point.
1.2 At the Karagwe camps, WFP is carrying out a two-week
distribution of maize meal and a one-week distribution of
vegetable oil and pulses on 17 and 18 December.
1.3 Food distributions continue for Burundian refugees in
Ngara camps.
2. RWANDA
2.1 The massive repatriation from Tanzania, which is reported
as peaceful and orderly, began on 14 December. By the end of 18
December, some 255,000 refugees had repatriated to Rwanda. The
influx continues. All refugees are entering Rwanda at the
border crossing point of Rusumo (Kibungo prefecture). On the
Rwandan side of the border, the majority are walking for the
first 20 km. For most of the weekend of 14/15 December, access
of aid agency personnel and media representatives to the border
area, both the Tanzania side and the Rwanda side, was very
limited. Returnees were assisted at the border by the Rwandan
Red Cross.
2.2 WFP has provided high-protein biscuits for distribution to
returnees from Tanzania at way-stations positioned at key
points along the route to their home communes. Distribution of
cereals, pulses and oil in Rusumo commune of Kibungo
prefecture, which is expected to receive over 100,000 returnees
from Tanzania, began on 18 December. Distribution in other
communes is beginning as the returnees arrive in their
communes.
2.3 WFP does not foresee immediate food shortages among the
returnees from Tanzania for two reasons: firstly, WFP food
stocks have been pre-positioned in all the communes in Kibungo
prefecture, from where 65 percent of the refugee caseload in
Tanzania originated, and is ready for prompt distribution; and
secondly, two-week food aid rations were distributed in Ngara
camps just prior to the mass movement from these camps.
2.4 As of 16 December, WFP food stocks in Kibungo prefecture
consisted of 150 metric tons (750,000 daily rations) of
biscuits, 788 metric tons (208,400 weekly rations) of cereals,
pulses and oil already in the communes, and 877 metric tons
(232,000 weekly rations) at the WFP delivery point and transit
centre. Food has also been pre-positioned in Byumba and Umutara
prefectures, which are also receiving high numbers of returnees
from Tanzania.
2.5 Repatriation from Zaire also continues, with an estimated
9,000 returnees arriving via Gisenyi and 1,094 via Cyangugu
between 10 and 16 December. 192 refugees also repatriated
during the same period from Uganda.
2.6 Food distributions to returnees from Zaire continue with
no problems. From 16 November to 16 December, WFP and NGO
partners (ADRA, AEF, AHA, ASS, CARE, Caritas, Concern, CRR,
CRS, EER, GAA, IFRC, Ingabo, IRC, LWF, MEC, MSF, Redda Barnen,
Salvation Army, Trocaire, World Vision and World Relief)
distributed approximately 9,646 metric tons of food (cereals,
pulses and oil). This represents 462,000 people assisted with a
one-month ration. Most distributions are carried out at the
commune level to heads of households.
2.7 While continuing to monitor the nutritional situation,
after the first month of assistance, the WFP food aid ration to
returnees will be decreased by 30 percent. Such a measure has
been taken in order to avoid dependency on external assistance
and encourage the returnees to become self-sufficient. WFP will,
however, assist in the reintegration process with food-for-work
programmes.
2.8 Current in-country stocks as of 16 December include 7,602
metric tons (5,553 mt cereals, 761 mt pulses, 208 mt oil, 136
mt salt, 414 mt blended food, 317 mt biscuits, 2 mt milk and
210 mt sugar). Stocks designated for the returnee programme
contain 5,663 metric tons - 339,100 monthly rations. Additional
quantities of food have been called forward and are on the way
from Isaka and Kampala.
3. EASTERN ZAIRE
3.1 A UN mission, including WFP representatives, which visited
the Lobutu area returned to Kisangani on 16 December. The
mission estimated that there were approximately 120,000
refugees and internally displaced persons in the Lobutu area.
Refugees originate from camps in both the Bukavu and Goma
regions. More refugees were still on the road.
3.2 On 18 December WFP started an airlift into Kisangani from
Kampala of 120 metric tons of food items using a Boeing 707
aircraft leased from a Zairean transporter. 80 metric tons of
food commodities, which included 20 metric tons of high-energy
biscuits, were airlifted into Kisangani on the first day. The
transportation of food onwards to Lubutu and nearby Tingi Tingi,
to assist the refugees and internally displaced persons in need
in this area, will be carried out in collaboration with La
Procure (logistics branch of the Catholic Diocese of
Kisangani)using vehicles and/or available small aircraft.
3.3 In Goma, WFP continues to distribute high-energy biscuits
to refugees returning to Rwanda on both the northern and
western axis. Distributions are carried out in conjunction with
UNHCR and NGOs. A great number of Zaireans who fled from Goma
for safety are now returning. Those in need are receiving
assistance from WFP and other agencies working in the area. In
total, WFP distributed 7.8 metric tons of biscuits to 6,163
refugees returning to Rwanda, to 1,986 Zaireans returning to
Goma and to 3,797 persons in hospital and nutritional centres.
4. BURUNDI
4.1 There has been no improvement in the security situation,
and many areas of the country remain unsafe. The security
situation is tense in Bujumbura Rural, Bubanza, and Muramvya
provinces. While the southern part of Kayanza province has
calmed, problems continue to be reported in the northern part
of the province.
4.2 Reports of mine incidents are increasing as two explosions
in Muramvya province (unknown causalities) and one in Kayanza
province(four dead) during the reporting period join previous
ones reported in Bubanza and Ruyigi provinces. It is rumoured
that rebel bands are increasingly laying mines on back-country
roads in order to restrict military movements. If true, this
development could have serious effects on the already limited
ability of aid agencies to reach affected populations.
4.3 WFP is witnessing a massive increase in the numbers of
displaced persons in need of food. This is mainly related to
the creation of new displaced sites and to an intensification
of fighting where the civilian population is caught between the
army and the rebels.
4.4 Between 9 and 15 December, the WFP Burundi caseload
totaled 119,020, of whom 58,969 are beneficiaries of emergency
relief distributions. A total of 28,200 persons benefited from
the WFP returnee package. Food aid received totaled 444 metric
tons and food dispatched totaled 392 metric tons, leaving
stocks at 2,749 metric tons.
4.5 Assessment missions in Bujumbura Rural province by WFP
revealed that groups of people are emerging from the bush after
hiding for several months. The nutritional status of people
among these groups is alarming, and where possible they are
being enrolled in nutritional programmes run by NGOs.
4.6 During the period 9-15 December, WFP was able to resume
assistance in Kayanza province, providing rations in Matongo
and Gatara communes to 3,105 people affected by recent
conflict. Emergency relief for 9,000 beneficiaries was
delivered to Bugenyuzi commune of Karuzi province for
distribution by an NGO.
B. RUSSIAN FEDERATION - CHECHNYA
1. UPDATE
1.1 Humanitarian aid programmes in and around Chechnya were
severely disrupted by two security incidents this week, in
which six ICRC delegates were assassinated by unknown gunmen
and several UNHCR and Medecins Sans Frontieres workers were
held up for hours at a roadblock raised by Chechen fighters
near the Daghestan border. As a consequence, all aid agencies
have withdrawn their presence from Chechnya, and WFP's food
distributions in Daghestan (East of Chechnya) were halted. In
response to UN security instructions, UN expatriate staff were
evacuated until further notice from the Daghestani region of
Khazavyurt, which is located near the Chechen border and hosts
a large concentration of displaced persons from Chechnya. WFP's
relief feeding programme in North Ossetia and Ingushetia (West
of Chechnya) has been less affected: food distributions were in
their final stage when the incidents occurred, and could still
be completed. Heavy restrictions have been imposed, though, on
post-distribution monitoring. In line with UN security
instructions, no field missions will be carried out in the
Ingush border areas with Chechnya and the Malgobek district,
until the situation stabilizes.
1.2 WFP has not been operational inside Chechnya. However, WFP
decided during the October mid-term review of the 1996 UN
Appeal to re-assess food aid needs throughout the North
Caucasus (including Chechnya, security permitting) after the
January presidential elections. This re-assessment will also
address the issue of phasing out activities by 31 March 1997,
as per the 1996 UN Appeal.
C. LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE
1. LIBERIA
1.1 As at 19 December, a total of 5,234 soldiers, including
1,480 children and 21 adult females, were demobilised in
Liberia. WFP has provided more than 200 mt food to demobilised
soldiers.
1.2 Demobilisation was suspended in Cape Mount County (Bo-
Waterside demobilisation centre) on 19 December due to
insecurity. Aid workers and local populations have been
repeatedly harassed and intimidated by members of the Krahn
wing of the ULIMO-J faction in this area. ULIMO-J commander
Mana Sekay has reportedly threatened the burning and
destruction of towns unless villagers provided food (5,000 kg
cassava) for the wing's fighters. The faction has also
threatened to close roads to the region, disrupting the
continuation of humanitarian activities. Further, a taxi was
ambushed on the Monrovia-Tubmanburg highway on 14 December,
killing 4 people.
1.3 ECOMOG has intensified its patrol of the highway and
relief agencies are taking necessary precautions before
travelling to this region. WFP supplies food to four feeding
centres in western Liberia as well as the demobilisation
centres in Tubmanburg and Bo-Waterside.
1.4 A meeting will take place today in Monrovia to discuss the
future of humanitarian activities in Cape Mount. Aid workers
continue to work in Tubmanburg.
1.5 Demobilisation commenced on 17 December in Tappita at the
National Patriotic Front (NPFL) base, following instructions
from NPFL leader, Charles Taylor.
1.6 Reintegration projects for demobilised soldiers have
begun, with more than 1,000 former soldiers currently taking
part in food-for-work activities. Hundreds of demobilised child
soldiers have been integrated into schools and children's
centres, or reunited with their families.
1.7 ECOMOG has gained control of the Lofa Bridge district,
which separates the two wings of the ULIMO faction. This area
has been inaccessible to WFP since late 1993, when the UNHCR
base at Vahun, Upper Lofa, was attacked. A joint assessment
mission is being planned by WFP in collaboration with health
and medical NGOs.
1.8 WFP and Save the Children have completed emergency food
distributions in Upper Margibi as recommended by medical and
nutritional NGOs. A forty-five day ration was distributed to
93,644 beneficiaries registered by Save the Children.
1.9 WFP and implementing partners started distributions to
more than 244,000 internally displaced persons in shelters in
and around Monrovia on 16 December. A further 9,196 internally
displaced persons in 14 shelters run by the Lutheran World
Federation will receive food rations including CSB, for the
targeting of vulnerable children.
1.10 WFP and ADRA distributed 400 metric tons of cereals,
edible fat and maize meal for emergency school feeding
programmes to 45,010 beneficiaries in Monrovia schools over the
week.
D. ANGOLA
1. UPDATE
1.1 The UN Secretary-General has extended the mandate of UNAVEM
III forces through 28 February 1997. UN troops are expected to
be withdrawn completely by August 1997. Until then, UNAVEM III
activities will increasingly concentrate on human rights
monitoring, de-mining, public information activities and
logistics support.
1.2 The Joint Commission declared on 11 December that UNITA
has met all military obligations under the Lusaka Peace
Protocol.
1.3 Status of quartering and demobilisation of UNITA troops as
at 17 December: troops present 45,610; troops demobilised 830;
dependents 109,209. A total of 4,253 soldiers are considered to
be absent, while 14,939 have deserted. 160 deaths have been
reported.
1.4 Demobilisation of under-age soldiers in Catala, Chicuma,
Chitembo and Andulo, scheduled to begin on 10 December, has
been postponed. Transport of demobilised under-age soldiers
from Vila Nova, N'Gove, Negage and Londuimbali quartering areas
continues through IOM.
1.5 In view of the 11 December murder of WFP official Jorge
Leitao in Kwanza North, UN agencies and NGOs involved in
tracing of families of under-age soldiers have agreed to
continue work only in those areas considered secure.
1.6 WFP is actively involved in the re-opening of roads and
the construction of traditional wooden bridges round Luena
(Moxico) to facilitate the return of displaced persons to their
areas of origin. This includes the transport of equipment and
the provision of food-for-work.
(End WFP Emergency Report No. 50 of 1996 - December 20, 1996)
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