|
Geneva, January 09, 2010 – The World Food Program says it does not see
any quick solution to the crisis, which forced the agency to stop its
humanitarian operations in southern Somalia earlier this week. But, WFP
says it has no plans to leave Somalia and the lines of communication
remain open with the armed groups that provoked the suspension.
The World Food Program emphasizes its suspension of food aid to one
million people in Southern Somalia is only temporary. It says its
operations on behalf of two million hungry people are continuing in the
rest of the country, including the capital Mogadishu.
But, WFP spokeswoman, Emilia Casella agrees the situation faced by
people in the southern part of the country is dire and is likely to
worsen.
"We do anticipate that it is possible there will be movement or could be
movement to other parts of Somalia by some people who have been affected
or towards the borders," she said. "And, so for that reason, the staff
and the supplies and equipment that were in our six offices in the
southern part of Somalia have already been moved from that area to areas
of Somalia where we are continuing to work."
Casella says WFP is working with its partner organizations to
pre-position supplies in areas where demand could increase.
The World Food Program stopped the distribution of food aid to one
million beneficiaries in Southern Somalia on Tuesday. This followed
escalating attacks against its staff and unacceptable demands by the
al-Shabaab Islamist group, which has links to al-Qaida.
WFP says al-Shabaab and other armed groups demanded the agency dismiss
women from all posts and pay protection money to guarantee the safety of
its staff.
Nevertheless, Casella says WFP is continuing to talk with all the armed
groups and local administrations in areas where it works.
"We have not closed any doors. We have not closed any lines of
communication," she said. "What we are hoping is that a resolution can
be found so that we can have assurances that humanitarian principles
will be respected and that the safety of our staff will be respected and
guaranteed so that we can return to working in the southern part of
Somalia as we are continuing to work in the rest of Somalia."
The United Nations says there has been a steady reduction of aid workers
in southern Somalia over the past year because of the dangers. It says
the WFP suspension is just the latest chapter in this ongoing saga.
U.N. officials say it has been difficult to maintain humanitarian
operations in the face of constant threats, extortion and looting.
Humanitarian staff members have been assaulted, kidnapped or murdered.
Despite these enormous risks, the United Nations says it will not
abandon the people of Somalia.
Source: VOA, January 08, 2010
Related Articles
Somali Officials to Meet WFP to Resume Humanitarian Operations
WFP Ends Food Aid to 1 Million Somalis
|
|
