UN deploys orange-painted helicopters in eastern DR Congo for aid workers

KIGALI, Rwanda

The United Nations Humanitarian Air Service said Monday it has introduced a new fleet of orange-painted helicopters in eastern the Democratic Republic of Congo in a bid to improve the safety of humanitarian operations in the restive region.

The latest move is part of a raft of measures aimed to help aid workers reach communities in need safely, where millions need life-saving humanitarian support, according to a statement.

“If the helicopter you see up there is orange, then you need to know that it’s a WFP (World Food Program) helicopter,” said Peter Musoko, World Food Program’s country director in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

“It’s flying humanitarian workers to help support the most vulnerable people who need emergency assistance,” he said.

Musoko said orange helicopters are a symbol of peace for the frontline workers to access those most in need.

“Our work is always guided by the core humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence,” he added.

The air service has a fleet of nine aircraft operating in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Violence has resulted in massive displacement in the eastern part of the Central African country, with thousands of families living in camps around Goma town.

The crisis has left more than 1.1 million people in need of food support across the conflict-ridden North Kivu, Ituri, and South Kivu provinces, according to the UN.

In February, the UN suspended humanitarian flights across much of the eastern part of the country after one of its helicopters was attacked.

Unidentified militants reportedly fired on a UN helicopter “10 minutes” from Goma in North Kivu province.