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UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

BURUNDI: Fighting hampers food distribution in three provinces

NAIROBI, 14 April 2003 (IRIN) - Insecurity in three provinces in Burundi hampered the distribution of food by the UN World Food Programme (WFP) between 7 and 13 April, according to a report by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

OCHA's weekly situation report said WFP distributed 358.55 mt of food to 43,810 people in Bujumbura Rural, Muramvya and Ruyigi provinces, but distribution was hampered in Kayanza, parts of Muramvya and Gitega "due to insecurity".

Sporadic fighting has continued in parts of Burundi despite the signing of ceasefire agreements between the government and some of the rebel groups.

On Friday, administrative officials in Gitega Province said that some 7,000 people had fled their homes since 9 April following heavy clashes between rebel Conseil national pour la defense de la democratie-Forces pour la defense de la democratie (CNDD-FDD) fighters loyal to Pierre Nkurunziza and government forces in Bugendana Commune.

The principal adviser to the governor of Gitega, Godefroid Ntikabavamo, told IRIN that the people were told to evacuate the commune after the administration received information about the presence of rebels. He said the 7,000 fled towards Mugera and Kirimbi, 20 km away from Bugendana.

Ntikabavamo said those who had fled required food aid. "We are relying on aid from humanitarian agencies, in particular WFP. Assistance has not yet reached those who left their homes as the area is not yet completely secured," he said.

Meanwhile, the OCHA report said WFP together with the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees did a head count of Congolese refugees in Gasorwe camp in Muyinga Province.

"The figures were revised downward from 3,400 to 2,107. Refugees were provided with ration cards to be used for the next food distribution," it reported.

Themes: (IRIN) Conflict, (IRIN) Refugees/IDPs

[ENDS]

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