Report No. 41 of 1997 Date: 10 October 1997This report includes: A) Democratic People's Republic of Korea B) East Africa: Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, Uganda, Sudan and Ethiopia C) Central Africa: Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) D) West Africa: Angola E) Iraq F) Recently approved WFP Emergency and Protracted Relief Operations.
>From J.-M. Boucher, Chief, Programming Service. Available on the Internet at WFP Home Page http://www.wfp.org/ or by e-mail from Deborah.Hicks@wfp.org (fax 39 6 6513 2837). For information regarding resources, donors are requested to contact Francesco.Strippoli@wfp.org or Aleesa.Blum@wfp.org at WFP Rome, telephone 39 6 6513 2504 or 6513 2004.
PART I - HIGHLIGHTS (Details below in Part II)
A. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
1. Update a) Donor group visits DPR Korea with WFP Deputy Executive Director. b) FAO/WFP food and crop assessment mission to take place 21 October through 1 November. c) Additional eight WFP food aid monitors approved by the Government, bringing total to fifteen. d) Recent Japanese contribution of USD 27 million brings total pledged by donors to DPR Korea operations through WFP to USD 164 million (485,000 metric tons).
B. EAST AFRICA: RWANDA, BURUNDI, TANZANIA, UGANDA, SUDAN AND ETHIOPIA
1. Rwanda a) Fighting between the Rwandan army and Hutu rebels in north-western area of Gisenyi displaces large number of people; area reported calmer by 13 October. b) Border with DR Congo closed by the Congolese authorities.
2. Burundi a) No resumption of reinstallation of refugees from regroupment camps in Kayanza. Return packages distributed to 16,000 former inhabitants of Gisyo camp, disbanded earlier. Distribution of return packages starts in Muramvya, with target of 48,680 beneficiaries.
3. Tanzania - refugee operations a) Two-month buffer stock of food is being pre-positioned in all refugee camps in anticipation of the rainy season.
4. Uganda a) More people displaced in Gulu due to recent escalation in rebel activities. b) WFP assessment in Kotido and Moroto districts in eastern Uganda, seriously affected by drought. conditions; 75,000 persons are currently assisted by WFP and an additional 300,000 people may need assistance in coming months.
5. Sudan a) Annual Needs Assessment exercise completed on 7 October and will provide the basis of the Operation Lifeline Sudan appeal for 1998.
6. Ethiopia a) Emergency operation approved for 35,200 metric tons of wheat to assist 1,067,000 people affected by belg (short rains) crop failure.
C. CENTRAL AFRICA: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND REPUBLIC OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)
1. Update a) WFP food distributions continue for Congo/Brazzaville refugees and displaced in Kinkole camp and in camps in Congo/Brazzaville. b) Further transfers of food arranged for distributions to displaced Congolese in Pointe-Noire and nearby areas, which began on 1 October. c) In eastern DR Congo, WFP activities in the Goma area continue, although on a reduced level, due to insecurity and restricted access to many areas. d) Delayed rains in south Kivu causes concern; food is scarce in local markets and prices remain high.
D. WEST AFRICA: ANGOLA
1. Angola update a) Donor support urgently required for WFP passenger air service in Angola.
E. IRAQ
1. Update a) Special Report released by FAO/WFP with results of joint FAO/WFP Food Supply and Nutrition Assessment mission to Iraq. Mission confirmed that need for vulnerable group feeding remains.
F. RECENTLY APPROVED WFP EMERGENCY AND PROTRACTED RELIEF OPERATIONS
1. Operations approved between 19 September and 9 October 1997 a) Approved: Djibouti PRO 4960.03; Kenya EMOP 5803.01; Georgia EMOP 5315.03; Ethiopia EMOP 5886,
PART II - DETAILS
A. DEMOCRATIC PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF KOREA
1. UPDATE
1.1 The WFP Deputy Executive Director, Mr. Namanga Ngongi, recently visited DPR Korea with representatives from USA, EU, Canada, Japan, and Denmark. The mission allowed the representatives to see first-hand the WFP operations in the country. Subsequently, Mr. Ngongi held press conferences in Beijing and Tokyo, where he stressed the need for continued international food assistance to DPR Korea.
1.2 The upcoming FAO/WFP food and crop assessment mission will take place from 21 October through 1 November. Although WFP projects a substantial increase to the food assistance programme to DPR Korea in 1998, the amount will be determined after the assessment mission. In addition to an expansion of already ongoing efforts aimed at assisting all children under the age of six years, patients in hospitals, and the rehabilitation of land and rural infrastructure, WFP will consider feeding programmes for further high risk groups such as the elderly and expecting women/nursing mothers.
1.3 An additional eight WFP food aid monitors have been approved by the Government of DPR Korea, bringing the total number of monitors to fifteen. They are expected to start arriving in the country in early November. WFP is awaiting clearance for an additional two monitors.
1.4 WFP has been operational in DPR Korea since November 1995. Since then a total of USD 164 million, or 485,000 metric tons, have been pledged through WFP. This includes the recently announced Japanese contribution of USD 27 million.
B. EAST AFRICA: RWANDA, BURUNDI, TANZANIA, UGANDA, SUDAN AND ETHIOPIA
1. RWANDA
1.1 Intense fighting between the Rwandan army and Hutu rebels has been reported in the north-western area of Gisenyi and a large number of people are said to be fleeing the area. The border with DR Congo has been closed by the Congolese authorities so as to prevent movement of Rwandans into neighbouring Goma.
1.2 Update: Information received on 13 October indicates that the situation has calmed significantly.
2. BURUNDI
2.1 Insecurity continues to prevent the resumption of the reinstallation of refugees from existing regroupment camps in Kayanza. WFP is however distributing return packages to 16,000 former inhabitants of Gisyo camp, located in a calmer area, which was earlier disbanded. In Muramvya, distribution of return packages has started and will benefit a population of 48,677 displaced who are returning to their homes.
2.2 WFP has started the delivery of 112 metric tons of food, representing a 15-day seed protection ration, to Vugizo, Makamba province, to be distributed by Equilibre. During a visit to the area, WFP was informed that approximately 18,000 people are currently displaced in this commune, with very little access to land for cultivation. An ad hoc distribution was carried out by WFP during June and since then this population has been receiving assistance from local churches.
2.3 From 29 September to 5 October, WFP food distributions were provided to a total of around 253,000 beneficiaries: 194,300 beneficiaries of general distributions and return packages, 12,500 participants in various food-for-work programmes and 46,100 beneficiaries of selective feeding programmes.
3. TANZANIA - REFUGEE OPERATIONS
3.1 The pre-positioning of a two-month buffer stock in all refugee camps is still continuing, in anticipation of the rainy season. Between 29 September and 5 October WFP distributed a two-week ration of maize, pulses, oil and corn soya blend to the refugees in Lugufu, Kasulu and Ngara camps.
3.2 Following the recent verification/registration exercises, and the adjustments in the food quantities delivered to the camps, it was noted that the quantity of food sold by the refugees in the camps has reduced significantly. As of 5 October, the refugee population in camps in Tanzania stood at 317,200 refugees.
3.3 Tanzanian authorities continue to seize illegal immigrants and refugees. This exercise has now been extended to Ngara where over 2,000 individuals have been apprehended. Some 7,000 Congolese and Burundians were identified in Kigoma, with around 4,000 found to be registered refugees. Approximately 3,000 of these refugees have been taken back to camps.
3.4 On 29 September the sixth repatriation trip from Tanzania to DR Congo was accomplished and 509 Congolese refugees returned to Uvira. The total number of refugees repatriated under this programme during the month of September amounted to 3,436. Another 36,000 refugees in camps in Tanzania have now registered for repatriation. Reports received form Uvira indicate that in parallel to the organized repatriation, another 600 Congolese have spontaneously returned during the month.
4. UGANDA
4.1 Further population displacements are taking place in Gulu as a result of the recent escalation in rebel activities in the district. WFP has responded to this situation by assisting special groups with ad hoc distributions. Preliminary results from the verification exercise indicate that there may be fewer camps and sites for displaced persons, but with an increase in the caseload. General food distributions have resumed after a two-week interval.
4.2 A total of 174,000 Sudanese refugees in camps and settlements in Uganda continue receiving WFP assistance. Close to 3,000 Sudanese refugees in the oldest settlements have now been phased out of emergency food distributions as they have attained self-sufficiency. A re-registration exercise for Sudanese refugees is planned for this month with the participation of UNHCR and WFP.
4.3 WFP carried out an assessment in Kotido and Moroto districts in eastern Uganda, in areas seriously affected by drought conditions. This region has only one crop growing season and the crop failure from the last harvest is estimated at 60 percent. Some 75,000 persons are already facing serious food shortages and are being assisted by WFP. Another 300,000 people will have exhausted household food reserves within the next three months and assistance to this group is being considered.
5. SUDAN
5.1 A WFP emergency assessment in Lugware area ( between Yei and Juba) on 2 and 3 October reported a very poor nutritional status among the population. An immediate delivery was organized of 123 metric tons relief food for distributions to an estimated 8,500 vulnerable beneficiaries. High-energy biscuits have been airlifted to Yei and will be distributed by the WFP/UNICEF team.
5.2 The Annual Needs Assessment exercise was completed on 7 October after completion of 21 assessments. The reports are being compiled and will provide the basis of the Operation Lifeline Sudan Appeal for 1998.
6. ETHIOPIA
6.1 On 9 October 1997, the WFP Executive Director approved, jointly with FAO, a new emergency operation in response to the belg (short rains) crop failure in Ethiopia. Late and erratic short rains between February and mid-May led both to late planting of crops and a reduction in the area planted. As a result, Government estimates placed the belg crop loss at 42 per cent compared with 1996. WFP's EMOP will target 1,067,000 affected people in belg-dependent areas across the country, providing a vital food input in the period to December 1997, preceding the main (meher) harvest.
6.2 WFP plans to provide a total of 35,200 metric tons of wheat. With the few contributions already confirmed, WFP will borrow from the Government's Emergency Food Security Reserve so that distributions can commence immediately. Given the urgency of the situation, a special allocation of funds from WFP's Immediate Response Account has been approved. Urgent action is required on the part of donors to meet the shortfall of 27,700 metric tons, valued at USD 9.5 million.
C. CENTRAL AFRICA: DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO AND REPUBLIC OF CONGO (BRAZZAVILLE)
1. UPDATE
1.1 Kinshasa and Congo/Brazzaville - information as of 9 October
a) The influx of refugees from Congo/Brazzaville arriving at Kinkole near Kinshasa has now subsided to an average of 250 persons per day. The total refugee population in Kinkole and Kinshasa stands at 33,500. Over 1,500 refugees abandoned the camp to return to Congo/Brazzaville after the camp was searched by the authorities. Measles remains a major health problem in the camp and so far UNICEF has immunized 3,280 children.
b) A general distribution was carried out in all camps between 29 September and 5 October, including Kinkole near Kinshasa and those camps in Congo/Brazzaville. A total of 164 metric tons of food were provided to the refugees.
c) The distribution of food commodities to displaced Congolese in Pointe-Noire and other main centres in southern Congo/Brazzaville commenced on 1 October. WFP has available an in-country stock of 1,433 metric tons of various foods and is now able to provide a complete food basket. WFP is organizing the transfer of a further 2,760 metric tons of food from Mombassa to Pointe-Noire.
1.2 Eastern DR Congo
a) The situation in Goma has been reported as calm but distribution and monitoring activities continue to be hampered by insecurity and subsequent restricted access to many areas. Following discussions with local authorities, WFP activities in the Goma area continue, although on a reduced level.
b) The unstable situation in north-western Rwanda is also affecting the delivery of food from Kampala to Goma. As described above, the border between DR Congo and Rwanda has been closed. Seven of a total of sixteen trucks recently despatched to Goma from Kampala were unable to cross the border and as of 13 October are being diverted to Kigali for off-loading.
c) Between 29 September and 5 October, WFP Goma provided food rations for distribution to displaced Congolese in Rutshuru and Jomba, seeds protection packages to 12,500 families, and supplementary feeding to 5,365 vulnerable persons and unaccompanied children. No refugees were repatriated or assisted with food distributions during this week.
d) Delayed rains in south Kivu are worrying farmers and the local government is expected to declare an emergency situation. This situation may be compounded by increasing insecurity as access to some areas is already being restricted. Food availability in local markets is scarce and prices remain high.
D. WEST AFRICA: ANGOLA
1. ANGOLA
1.1 WFP Angola will be forced to reduce its passenger air service unless further funding is confirmed in the near future. WFP requires at least USD 1 million to operate the passenger service to the end of the year. So far, WFP has incurred expenditures of USD 3.4 million for air operations in 1997. Against this, 1997 WFP donor funding amounts to USD 1.9 million. A further contribution of 1.5 million has been confirmed this past week. The total cost of providing this service on an annual basis is approximately USD 4.5 million.
1.2 Donor support is urgently needed in order to avoid curtailment of this vital support for humanitarian relief operations in Angola.
E. IRAQ
1. UPDATE
1.1 A Special Report was recently released by FAO/WFP giving the results of the joint FAO/WFP Food Supply and Nutrition Assessment mission to Iraq. The results show that although there has been some improvement in the overall food supply situation following the implementation of the oil-for-food agreement, malnutrition still remains a serious problem throughout Iraq. The mission report states that "There is now concern that emergency assistance to vulnerable groups might be curtailed due to widespread perception amongst donor countries that malnutrition problems have been solved following the implementation of SCR 986".
1.2 The mission observed that the need for vulnerable group feeding remains essential, as the SCR 986 basket does not meet the special nutritional food needs of vulnerable groups, such as malnourished children. It strongly recommends that the international community continues supporting feeding programs for these vulnerable groups. The estimated production of main cereals in 1997 is 2.2 million tons, the lowest since 1991.
1.3 The full report is available on the Internet on the FAO Web site at http://www.fao.org - then click on Economics, then on GIEWS, then on Special Reports and Alerts.
F. RECENTLY APPROVED WFP EMERGENCY AND PROTRACTED RELIEF OPERATIONS
1. Emergency operations (EMOPs) and protracted relief operations (PROs) approved between 19 September and 9 October 1997 (figures rounded off):
Djibouti PRO 4960.03 (expansion) - Ethiopian and Somali refugees Duration: 365 days; 4,140 metric tons (mt); Beneficiaries: 22,000; Total WFP cost: $2,243,000. Approved by the Executive Director on 19 September
Kenya EMOP 5803.01 (expansion) - Assistance to drought victims Duration: 120 days; 6,640 mt; Beneficiaries: 542,000; Total WFP cost: $2,808,600. Approved by the Executive Director on 1 October
Georgia EMOP 5315.03 (expansion) - Internally displaced and other vulnerable persons. Duration: 365 days; 11,150 mt; Beneficiaries: 170,000; Total WFP cost: $ 4,810,200. Approved by the Executive Director on 3 October
Ethiopia EMOP 5886 - Crop failure Duration: 90 days; 35,200 mt; Beneficiaries: 1,067,000; Total WFP cost: $12,535,500. Approved by FAO Director-General and WFP Executive Director on 9 October.
(End WFP Emergency Report No. 41 of 1997 - October 10, 1997)
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