Sudan: WFP says bandits threaten food deliveries

(SomaliNet) Banditry in Sudan’s conflict-stricken Darfur region threatened the distribution of food to more than two million people there, the UN World Food Programme warned on Wednesday

\"So far this year, bandits have stolen 23 WFP-contracted trucks and abducted their drivers - 19 drivers are still missing,\" it said in a statement.

\"We\'re extremely worried about the impact of vulnerable people of Darfur,\" WFP representative Kenro Oshidari said.

Oshidari said that the main trucking companies now refuse to send in more vehicles, forcing the organisation to \"deliver about half our monthly food relief requirement\".

\"If the situtation continues, we\'ll be forced to cut rations in parts of Darfur by mid-February,\" Oshidari said, urging Sudanese authorities to ensure the safety of the main routes.

A lack of security in the western Sudanese region continues to hamper aid operations. Between September and December last year, three WFP contracted drivers were killed and 13 trucks stolen or attacked.
A total of 106 000 people could not be reached with food assistance in December, the WFP said, adding that about 40 000 metric tons of food are needed to feed the most vulnerable people in Darfur.

\"Without these deliveries, WFP faces a rapid depletion of stocks and the inablity to pre-position food ahead of the rainy season which is due to start in May,\" Oshidari said.

At least 200 000 people have died from war, famine and disease in Darfur and more than two million have fled their homes since rebels took up arms against Khartoum in 2003, complaining of the region\'s political and economic marginalisation, according to the UN. - Sapa-AFP