UN food agency launches emergency push to help victims of Côte d’Ivoire’s civil unrest

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today launched a $3 million appeal to provide emergency relief aid to victims of civil unrest in Côte d’Ivoire, where recent clashes have displaced tens of thousands of people.

To respond to the urgent needs of about 100,000 people affected by fighting between pro- and anti-government forces, WFP is seeking to fund an initial three-month operation covering Côte d'Ivoire and neighboring countries, including Burkina Faso, Ghana and Mali.

“Despite the fragile truce between pro- and anti-government forces, the security situation in Côte d'Ivoire remains highly volatile,” said Manuel Aranda da Silva, WFP’s Regional Director for West Africa. “All the ingredients are present for a large-scale humanitarian crisis, which could result in massive displacement of people in the country and possible outflow of migrant workers into neighboring countries,” he warned.

About 10,000 vulnerable and displaced people are currently receiving emergency rations in Bouaké, the country’s second largest city, and in surrounding villages, according to WFP. Another 5,000 migrant workers in the Man region are also receiving provisions.

With the humanitarian situation worsening each day, especially in areas held by insurgents, WFP’s plans to extend emergency rations to other regions are on hold pending the clarification of security issues.

“Safe access for relief workers to assist people in areas affected by the fighting remains a critical concern of WFP and all the humanitarian agencies,” Mr Aranda da Silva said.