The European Union has initiated an air bridge to expedite the delivery of essential supplies to the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to a statement from the European Commission.
This move comes in response to DRC’s urgent humanitarian needs, which rank among the most severe globally.
DRC and Algeria are the two largest countries in Africa.
The plan involves transporting over 180 tons of materials, primarily medical supplies and food, via eight flights scheduled through the end of August.
These flights will head to Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, and then proceed to Goma, the main city of North Kivu province in DRC.
The first consignment reached Goma on August 22.
This initiative follows a similar operation from Europe to DRC between March and May, delivering 260 tons of goods across seven flights.
Current reports suggest that DRC is home to 6.2 million internally displaced individuals, the highest in Africa.
Additionally, over a million Congolese are refugees in neighboring countries.
Many of these displaced people in DRC live in challenging conditions, with nearly half a million facing extreme hardships in and around Goma.
These individuals grapple with numerous challenges, such as inadequate food, water, healthcare, and shelter.
Conflict zones in DRC are characterized by violence and instability, hampering economic opportunities and affecting farming activities.
As a result, about a quarter of the Congolese population, or 27 million people, struggle with food insecurity, and an estimated 2.8 million children are malnourished.
The EU’s humanitarian initiatives in DRC aim to support the vulnerable population in the eastern part of the country.
Collaborating with partner organizations, the EU provides humanitarian aid, protection, emergency healthcare, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions and ensures children have access to education.