UN Food Agency
Suspends Southern Somalia Operations
The
United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended its
operations in most of southern Somalia after receiving threats
from Islamic rebel groups.
The partial suspension is expected to affect about 1million
Somalis.
Threats
WFP spokesman Peter Smerdon said the organisation was unable to
continue working due to threats against its staff and
unacceptable demands by al-Shabaab rebels, who control the
region.
The insurgents had issued a warning against aid agencies in the
south in November but, the WFP has said it will remain active in
the rest of the country.
Meanwhile, up to 42,000 people are estimated to have been
displaced in central Somalia after rival Islamic groups fought
over control of Dhuusa Marreeb last week, leading to the death
of at least 50 people.
Panos/Qasim/Yinka
