UN Suspends Food Aid in West and Central Africa Due to Funding Deficiencies
The World Food Programme (WFP) has declared a halt to food and nutritional assistance in various crisis-stricken nations across West and Central Africa, citing reductions in US funding that are critically affecting its operations.
The WFP has stated that it needs $494 million to maintain its initiatives through the latter part of 2025; however, its financial resources have been completely depleted, forcing a concentration on the most at-risk populations.
While the duration of food supplies differs, it is expected that existing stocks will last until around September in most affected countries, potentially leaving millions without emergency support, as reported by the WFP.
Margot van der Velden, the WFP’s regional director, conveyed her concerns to The Associated Press, saying, “We are doing everything we can to prioritize the most life-saving activities, but without urgent support from our partners, our ability to respond is shrinking by the day. We need sustained funding to keep food flowing and hope alive.”
Seven countries in the region are impacted, with operations already halted in Mauritania, Mali, and the Central African Republic, where food supplies are anticipated to last only a few weeks.
Millions in Danger
As per WFP reports, the distribution of aid has already been significantly curtailed in camps for Nigerian refugees in Cameroon.
Data from the WFP suggests that millions will be directly affected, including 300,000 children in Nigeria who face the threat of “severe malnutrition, ultimately increasing the risk of death.”
The WFP emphasizes its requirement for $494 million to continue its operations through the second half of 2025. Still, with funds entirely exhausted, it is forced to concentrate on the most vulnerable groups. In northern and central Mali, the organization will prioritize newly displaced refugees and children under five.
