This report includes: A) Burundi, Rwanda, Zaire and Tanzania B) Uganda C) Ethiopia/Somalia repatriation D) Liberia and Sierra Leone E) Angola.
>From P. Ares, Chief, Programming Service. Available on the Internet at WFP Home Page http://www.wfp.org/ 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).
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS (Details below in Part II)
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE AND TANZANIA
1. Eastern Zaire - information as of 27 February a) Situation in Kisangani tense. Preparations made for possible evacuation of UN and NGO staff. b) UN mission assesses situation in Punia, where 4,000 refugees are located. c) Full distribution of one-week ration is made to all refugees in Tingi Tingi camps. d) Refugees desert Kalima camp less than one week after the camp opens, as town falls to rebels.
2. Tanzania a) Influx of refugees to Kigoma continues. b) WFP plans to assist drought-affected persons in Tanzania with 10,000 metric tons of maize and 1,000 metric tons of beans, for distribution by NGOs through food-for-work activities.
3. Rwanda a) From 17 to 23 February WFP delivered 2,068 metric tons of food for distribution in the communes, assisting 164,800 people. b) WFP mission assesses modalities for a food monetization programme to raise some USD 35 million for development. c) Twin Otter aircraft used by WFP to service locations such as Cyangugu difficult to access because of insecurity.
4. Burundi a) Seeds distribution programme under way. Food is being provided by WFP, together with the seeds packages from FAO, for 110,000 persons. b) Fixed fuel quotas for humanitarian operations, including Jet A-1 fuel, authorised by the Regional Sanctions Coordinating Committee.
B. UGANDA
1. Update a) WFP approves relief operation in northern Uganda to assist 110,000 internally displaced persons. b) Food resources for WFP assistance to Sudanese refugees in Uganda will be exhausted by April; new contributions are urgently required.
C. ETHIOPIA/SOMALIA
1. Repatriation programme a) Voluntary repatriation of Somalis from Ethiopia begins.
D. LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE
1. Liberia a) Demobilisation ends. More than 21,315 soldiers disarmed and demobilised since 22 November 1996 (some 91 percent of estimated total number of fighters). b) WFP contribution to demobilization process totals over 600 metric ton food aid. c) WFP led inter-agency assessment mission to Bomi County finds improved nutritional situation in Tubmanburg, Government Farm/Gaya Hill and Gbah.
2. Sierra Leone a) Peace violations reported along Bo-Freetown highway and in northern and eastern provinces, but WFP activities only briefly interrupted.
E. ANGOLA
1. Update a) Armed attacks on an NGO warehouse in Quibaxe in Bengo Province result in looting of WFP food. b) Poor crops in Bocoio, Benguela Province, confirmed by joint WFP-German Agro Action mission. Relief assistance planned for 10,000 people in the area. Crops in provinces of Bengo, Cuanza Sul, Cuanza Norte, Luanda Malange, and Zaire also threatened by poor rains.
PART II - DETAILS
A. EAST AFRICA: REGIONAL OPERATION FOR BURUNDI, RWANDA, ZAIRE, TANZANIA
1. EASTERN ZAIRE - information as of 27 February
1.1 General
a) At the same time that an attempt is made at a political solution to the crisis in Eastern Zaire, military action continues. Exploratory talks were held in South Africa but efforts for direct contacts between the Zairean Government and the rebels were frustrated. Separate discussions were however maintained with South African, US and UN officials. On the military side, the capture of Kalima and the advance of the rebels towards Kindu mark the most significant developments of the past week.
b) A WFP/UNHCR mission visited Punia to assess the refugee situation at this location. Punia was previously a transit point for refugees on their way to Tingi Tingi. Once fears about a possible attack on Tingi Tingi spread, refugees refused to travel any further and camped in Punia. There are now some 4,000 refugees accommodated in the former prison, the local hospital and an abandoned motor garage. The refugees, in very poor nutritional state, had been surviving on high-energy biscuits and WFP organised an air delivery of 6 metric tons of supplies two day after the mission.
1.2 Kisangani
a) The situation in the Kisangani area is tense. At a recent security meeting, a reduction in the field presence of UN and NGO staff members was recommended. Other recommendations included the transfer of all non-essential communications equipment and a maximisation of food distributions in refugee camps.
b) A total of 2,762 metric tons of food has been airlifted into Kisangani since air operations were initiated by WFP on 18 December 1996.
1.3 Tingi Tingi
a) Since the beginning of February, a total 13,045 refugees have arrived in Tingi Tingi. Between 18 and 23 February, 510 metric tons of food were distributed in the Tingi Tingi camps, bringing the total WFP food distributed since mid-December to 1,930 metric tons of food. This past week was the first time that a nearly full weekly ration was distributed to the total camp population.
b) Between 18 and 23 February, the WFP DC3 made 21 rotations between Kisangani and Tingi Tingi, shuttling 83 metric tons of maize, vegetable oil, corn soya blend and beans. Road operations were reduced as adequate stock had previously been delivered, and only 88 metric tons of food were trucked to Tingi Tingi.
1.4 Kalima
a) Some 25,000 Hutu refugees are once more on the move after fleeing Kalima. The camp, opened by UNHCR on February 17, was deserted less than a week later when Zairean rebels captured the town on 22 February. It took less than one hour for all refugees to leave. Residents of Kalima town had started fleeing earlier. The refugees had previously been accommodated at Shabunda.
b) Before the departure of the refugees from Kalima, WFP had succeeded in making 10 rotations with the Andover plane, delivering 53 metric tons of mixed foods to the camp.
1.5 Goma
a) Sporadic fighting between Mai-Mai and Alliance rebels continues to be reported. Pockets of the former Rwandan army and militia also continue to engage Alliance rebels. Despite these incidents, aid workers resumed activities at way stations on 21 February in the northern axis. Between 17 and 23 February, 496 refugees repatriated through Goma, about half the level of the weekly average earlier in the month.
b) A WFP/UNHCR mission drove to the Ishasha border to assess cross-border population movements, and reported that Zaireans who had sought refugee in Uganda are returning home. Aid agencies in Goma are preparing to assist these people to settle back in home areas. Ishasha is still closed to commercial traffic. The Bunagana entry point, further south, is operational, but a 48-hour notice is required for customs formalities.
1.6 Bukavu
a) Bukavu quiet as situation calms following the bombing raids of 17 February.
b) Rehabilitation works continue along the Kigulube road. WFP has released food for use in this programme, a priority for humanitarian agencies. Distribution of food at way stations has been handed over to UNHCR and NGOs. WFP is assessing food assistance needs among local populations.
2. TANZANIA
2.1 Kigoma continues to receive an average of 1,000 refugees each day and the refugee population in the area stands now at 248,480 people. Over 23,000 of these refugees are accommodated in three holding centres in Kigoma town. The recently opened Lugufu camp already hosts over 10,000 refugees.
2.2 WFP is preparing a new Emergency Operation to assist drought-affected persons. WFP plans to make available 10,000 metric tons of maize and 1,000 metric tons of beans, for positioning in drought-stricken zones, for distribution once the planned targeting exercise is carried out. The food will be distributed by NGOs, through food-for-work activities.
3. RWANDA
3.1 Adapting to the new working environment, between 17 and 23 February WFP succeeded in delivering 2,068 metric tons of food for distribution in the communes, a marked increase over the previous week. Food is positioned in all prefectures, and distributions for the month of February are continuing. Byumba was the first prefecture to complete the February commitment but distributions are also progressing well in the prefecture of Kigali Rural, where an average 100 metric tons of food a day is being delivered. The lack of exact beneficiary numbers and details, and the need for military escorts to be provided, have led to delays in some areas, and the prefecture of Ruhengeri has been unable to deliver food during February.
3.2 The number of returnees travelling back from South Kivu between 17 and 23 February numbered 1,311, bringing the total for the month to 3,135 people.
3.3 Seeds and tools are in the process of being distributed to returnees. If completed in time, these distributions will enable the majority of the returnees to plant their first crops in several years, a major step towards self-sufficiency. It is hoped that by June, these beneficiaries will no longer be dependent on WFP's food assistance.
3.4 A WFP headquarters mission is currently visiting Rwanda to look into a future monetization programme. The programme aims at raising some USD 35 million through the sale of food, for the development of Rwanda. The actual sale of the food is likely to take place in Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and will involve WFP and other partner agencies.
3.5 WFP has positioned a Twin Otter in Kigali, to service locations within Rwanda difficult to access by road due to insecurity, particularly Cyangugu, and Bukavu across the border. The aircraft will be ferrying cargo and passengers, and will be on standby for emergency evacuations.
4. BURUNDI
4.1 A seed distribution programme co-ordinated by FAO is presently ongoing, to reach all parts of the country. WFP is effecting the seeds distribution in some areas, and providing food for an estimated 110,000 people at internally displaced persons sites and regroupment sites. The provision of a combined seeds/food package is to minimise the risk that seeds may be used for consumption, rather than for planting.
4.2 WFP and MSF-Holland suspended activities in Kabarore commune, Kayanza province, following confrontations between the military and rebels who reportedly crossed the border among the refugees. Although in general there seems to be a slight improvement in the security situation, incidents are still reported in various areas.
4.3 Authorisation has been granted by the Regional Sanctions Coordinating Committee for fixed quotas of fuel, including Jet A-1, to be imported into Burundi for the use of UN agencies and NGOs. The quantities of fuel now approved are those initially requested, but no exemption made for importing kerosene, badly needed for storage and transportation of vaccines and medical supplies.
B. UGANDA
1. UPDATE
1.1 A new WFP emergency operation (EMOP 5816) worth USD 6.7 million has just been approved to assist 110,000 internally displaced persons in northern districts. Total food requirements are 9,766 metric tons. Food assistance will be provided during a six-month period, as much as possible through food-for-work schemes. Rebel insurgency in northern Uganda has resulted in the displacement of over 220,000 people. WFP's assistance will be provided to those who, displaced from their land and sources of income, have no alternative to provide for themselves.
1.2 Urgent food contributions are needed to continue the provision of assistance to Sudanese refugees. Current WFP resources will be depleted by April, including a recently donated contribution of 15,000 metric tons of grain. Some cash for local purchases has been made available, but a combination of drought and insecurity has led to low maize production in Uganda, and it is unlikely that purchases may be effected in time to ensure undisrupted deliveries.
C. ETHIOPIA/SOMALIA
1. Repatriation of Somali refugees from Ethiopia
1.1 The voluntary repatriation of 290,000 Somalis from Ethiopia has begun, with the return of several hundred refugees to the north-west of Somalia, where the political situation has recently improved. A total of 2,800 Somalis have registered for repatriation from Teferi Ber and Doronaji camps, near Jijiga, and UNHCR expects 10,000 refugees to return home by the end of May. Each returnee receives nine months worth of food, provided by WFP, and the equivalent of 30 dollars in travel funds from UNHCR.
D. LIBERIA AND SIERRA LEONE
1. LIBERIA
1.1 Demobilisation has come to end with more than 21,315 soldiers, including 4,306 child and 250 adult female soldiers disarmed and demobilised over the period 22 November 1996 to 7 February 1997. This represents over 91 percent of ECOMOG's estimate of the total number of fighters (33,000).
1.2 WFP has contributed more than 600 metric tons of food aid towards the demobilisation process and continues to support demobilised soldiers through EU and UN Office of Project Services (UNOPS) "bridging" projects.
1.3 WFP led an inter-agency assessment mission to Bomi County from 11-12 February. The mission found an improved nutritional situation in Tubmanburg, Government Farm/Gaya Hill and Gbah. Feeding centres in Government Farm and Gbah have been closed due to the improved nutritional situation and increasing accessibility to the region. Security has improved since the end of January and no incidents of harassment have been reported. Commodities such as rice, bulgur wheat, maize meal and palm oil brought from Monrovia are available at the household level and in limited quantities in local markets. Priority needs of the population in Gbah and Government Farm are agricultural inputs, medicine and clothing.
1.4 Demobilisation has prompted the spontaneous return of internally displaced persons from Monrovia shelters to their villages in parts of Bomi, Cape Mount, Bong and Margibi Counties. In shelters managed by the Concerned Christian Community, the population has dropped from 73,302 to 51,100 persons.
1.5 An inter-agency assessment mission to Lofa County on 12 February confirmed reports of increasing numbers of returnees from Guinea to Foya and Zorzor districts, towns that have been destroyed by war and abandoned for several years. Reportedly more than 1,000 returnees, mostly men, have crossed the border to assess and clean up villages before sending for the rest of their family members.
1.6 The Liberia Committee on Food Aid (CFA), chaired by WFP, was established on 31 January. Members include CRS, EU and USAID. This committee, modelled after the CFA in Sierra Leone, will coordinate all food aid policies and strategies in Liberia.
2. SIERRA LEONE
2.1 Peace violations have been reported along the Bo-Freetown highway and roads and villages in the northern and eastern provinces as RUF leader calls on troops to resume activities. However WFP activities have continued as normal with the exception of a halt on deliveries from 19-20 February due to attacks on the Bo-Freetown highway.
2.2 In a bid to move the peace process forward, the Committee for the Consolidation of Peace (CCP) is holding talks with RUF rebel leader Foday Sankoh in Abidjan. All necessary structures are in place for the start of demobilisation once Government/RUF agreements are finalised.
2.3 Government soldiers have rescued some 700 unaccompanied children living in the forest in Kailahun district. The children, aged 9 to 15, apparently fled rebel attacks four years ago and are reported to be severely malnourished.
E. ANGOLA
1. UPDATE
1.1 Save the Children US closed its Quibaxe office in Bengo Province after repeated armed attacks on its warehouse. The latest incident occurred 10 February when more than 200 metric tonnes WFP food and 111 resettlement kits were looted.
1.2 On 17 February a joint WFP-German Agro Action mission to Bocoio, Benguela Province confirmed damaged maize crops due to lack of rain. WFP will provide packages of 9 kg of maize, 1.2 kg of beans and 0.75 litre of vegetable oil for an estimated 10,000 people. Lack of rain in the provinces of Bengo, Cuanza Sul, Cuanza Norte, Luanda Malange, and Zaire continues to threaten this year's harvests.
1.3 On 17 February a joint CRS, UNICEF, UCAH, MSF-F, OXFAM, Human Rights Watch and WFP mission visited Cubal in Benguela Province to investigate reports of attacks on Iambala village, 45 km south of Cubal. Some 3,000 to 5,000 displaced people in the area will be given food rations and health care services.
1.4 The poor condition of the Luena airstrip in Moxico Province and the complexity of flight clearance procedures at Catumbela air base have limited WFP's capacity to transport cargo by air. Since October 1996, Government repairs to the airstrip have not been made, reducing the number of possible flights per day from six to three. As a result, WFP will begin transporting cargo by road at a greater cost (USD 15-USD 20 more per metric ton) and time-frame (5-6 days) due to poor road conditions.
1.5 Discussions on the political aspects of the peace process continue. Some 215 FAA underage soldiers were demobilised on 14 February in Luanda and transported to their areas of origin. WFP has assumed responsibility for distribution of reintegration rations to ex-combatants who were demobilised three or more months ago.
(End WFP Emergency Report No. 09 of 1997 - February 28, 1997)
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