In statements to the Congolese Press Agency, Musoko noted that the United Nations Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) will provide support to the most vulnerable people due to the clashes in the east of the country, which have displaced almost one million Congolese in a few months.

“We need to meet immediate needs, in addition to laying the groundwork for long-term development so that families have better access to healthy food,” he added.

The USD$10.4 million for the aid comes from the Japanese Government and, according to Musoko, comes at a critical time, when over six million Congolese are uprooted from their homes and livelihoods, and 4.6 million children are in need of emergency assistance.

Part of the funds are specifically earmarked for school meals in Kasai and Kasai Oriental provinces, the official detailed.

Over the next six months, the WFP will need USD$548.5 million to maintain its operations in the DRC. The agency currently feeds 148,000 children in four provinces and plans to reach 600,000 this year.

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