World Relief Responds to Attack on World Food Programme Convoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo

February 22, 2021

CONTACT:
Lauren Carl
lauren.carl@pinkston.co
(703) 388-6734

BALTIMORE — World Relief is grieved and shocked by the recent attack on the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) convoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Luca Attanasio, Italy’s ambassador to the Congo since 2017, was killed, as well as an Italian police officer and their Congolese driver.

The ambush occurred as the convoy was traveling from Goma, DRC’s eastern regional capital, to visit a WFP school feeding project in Rutshuru. These individuals were attacked while carrying out critical work in helping provide food assistance to those who do not have it. 

“We have worked with the World Food Programme to respond to critical hunger needs in the DRC and other countries and are saddened by this devastating news,” said Charles Franzén, director of humanitarian and disaster response at World Relief. “Humanitarian organizations often have to take dangerous routes to reach vulnerable populations around the world, and this is a reminder that safety measures should be a top priority to ensure critical humanitarian aid reaches those who are most vulnerable.” 

Since 2001, World Relief has been on the ground in DRC, helping communities restart their lives and address the social fractures that exist as a result of long-term conflict. In the eastern DRC, World Relief works in areas where multiple armed groups are operating and where violence persists. World Relief runs programs in HIV/AIDS prevention, peacebuilding, sexual and gender-based violence and trauma healing, agriculture and food security, saving groups, and church mobilization and empowerment. 

“Over the years, World Relief has worked with stakeholders in the DRC to reach some of the most vulnerable populations and hardest areas in the region,” said Myal Greene, senior vice president of international programs. “This situation is a devastating reminder of the significant challenges and dangers our staff and other humanitarian workers face every day. We are committed to continuing to bring peace and sustainable solutions to the DR of Congo.” 

About World Relief

World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization that brings sustainable solutions to the world’s greatest problems – disasters, extreme poverty, violence, oppression, and mass displacement. For over 75 years, we’ve partnered with churches and community leaders in the U.S. and abroad to bring hope, healing and transformation to the most vulnerable.

Learn more at worldrelief.org.

To download a PDF version of this press release, click here.

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