The World Food Programme (WFP) believes that between $13 and $14 million worth of food goods destined for those in need have been plundered since hostilities erupted in Sudan last month.
World Food Programme national director Eddie Rowe said that looting was prevalent and that the agency was still checking accusations of WFP food theft.
According to Rowe, 17,000 metric tons have been taken, some from our facilities and others from vehicles. We’re talking about $13-$14 million here, and that doesn’t even include the food. More looting is reported almost every day.
Rowe’s statements come the day after United Nations Assistance Director Martin Griffiths pleaded with Sudan’s warring parties to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian goods and the safe movement of aid personnel.
According to the United Nations, 100,000 people have fled to neighboring countries as a result of the conflict in Sudan, and assistance distribution has been impeded in a country where nearly one-third of the population depends on humanitarian aid.
According to Rowe, the World Food Programme is in urgent need of extra supplies for Sudan.
“We know that if we do not procure commodities now, we will run out of stock in the next two to three months,” he said.
“We have already begun our engagement with our donors,” he continued, to establish how quickly support can be acquired and given in locations with windows of opportunity and where it is regarded relatively safe to do so.
