Over 1 million people affected as Somalia Islamists force ICRC food aid suspension
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it had suspended food distribution to 1,1 million people in central and southern Somalia after al Shabaab militants blocked deliveries in parts of the famine-hit country.
The independent humanitarian agency, one of few providing aid supplies there despite huge logistical and security constraints, said that local authorities had blocked deliveries since mid-December in the Middle Shabelle and Galgadud regions.
“The suspension will continue until we receive assurances from the authorities controlling those areas that distributions can take place unimpeded and reach all those in need, as previously agreed,” Patrick Vial, head of the ICRC delegation for Somalia, said in a statement.
Militants stop food aid getting to the poor
Over 1 million people affected as Somalia Islamists force ICRC food aid suspension
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Thursday it had suspended food distribution to 1,1 million people in central and southern Somalia after al Shabaab militants blocked deliveries in parts of the famine-hit country.
The independent humanitarian agency, one of few providing aid supplies there despite huge logistical and security constraints, said that local authorities had blocked deliveries since mid-December in the Middle Shabelle and Galgadud regions.
“The suspension will continue until we receive assurances from the authorities controlling those areas that distributions can take place unimpeded and reach all those in need, as previously agreed,” Patrick Vial, head of the ICRC delegation for Somalia, said in a statement.
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