UN aid agency appeals for $3.5 million for Central African logistics needs

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today made an urgent appeal for $3.5 million for transport and storage needs in the Central African Republic (CAR), in order to feed at least 230,000 people affected by recent violence and displacement.

“The current infrastructure cannot cope with the scale of our new operation so we’re going to have to do the job ourselves,” WFP Country Director Jean-Charles Dei said.

“We need additional financial support to accomplish that, not only for WFP but also for other humanitarian organizations that need the means to reach people whose lives are at stake,” he stressed.

According to a WFP press release, 25 all-terrain trucks are being moved to the country, along with eight food storage structures and temporary office and living accommodation for WFP staff.

Funding is also necessary for repairs to roads and bridges which are crumbling in decay, WFP said.

Nearly 300,000 Central Africans have had to flee their homes over the past year because of the escalating fighting, banditry and rebel attacks. Many people are living in the open bush, too afraid to return to their former homes.

In addition to the new funds required to reinforce logistics, WFP’s current food assistance programme still has a shortage of $25 million for operations in the CAR, one of the world’s poorest countries.