International
$14Million Worth Of Food Looted From Sudan – UN
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has estimated that between $13 million and $14 million worth of food products intended for people in need in war-torn Sudan have been looted since fighting broke out last month.
The revelation was made by WFP Country Director Eddie Rowe in an interview with Reuters from Port Sudan via video link.
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Rowe said that looting in the country was rampant and that some reports of WFP’s supplies being stolen were still being verified. “We’ve estimated that close to 17,000 metric tons have been looted, some in our warehouses, while others on wheels,” Rowe said. “This would translate to about 13 or 14 million U.S. dollars – just the cost of the food. Almost every day we are receiving reports of additional looting.”
The conflict in Sudan has forced about 100,000 people to flee to neighbouring countries, according to the UN, and has obstructed aid deliveries in a country where about one-third of people already relied on humanitarian assistance.
Rowe said that the WFP needed to purchase more supplies urgently for Sudan. “We know that if we do not procure commodities now, we are going to run out of stock in the next two to three months,” he said.
“We’ve already started our engagement with our donors to see how quickly we can procure and also deliver in these locations where we do have windows of opportunity and where it’s considered relatively safe for us to provide assistance,” he added.
The revelation comes a day after UN aid chief Martin Griffiths appealed to the warring sides in Sudan to ensure the safe passage of humanitarian aid and staff.
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It is hoped that the appeal will be heeded so that much-needed supplies can reach the people of Sudan.
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