30 South Darfur camps without food rations for 2 months

Displaced living in 30 camps near a South Darfur town claim that food rations have not been distributed in the sites for over two months. They also denounced the shortage of water in the area. An activist of Gireida camps told Radio Dabanga that even though food rations had already been restricted to millet and lentils, displaced have received anything since January. The reason for the food shortage, he says, is because the representative of South Darfur’s Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC) stopped the transportation of food between Nyala and Gireida “due to the presence of rebels in the region”. Gireida’s activist denounced HAC’s decision noting it is “increasing the suffering of displaced and leading to high rates of malnutrition especially among children”. He added that “all water pumps” in the camps have stopped working due to lack of fuel causing a severe shortage in drinking water among the displaced. The activist is urging HAC allow the transportation of food to Gireida and stressed the road to Nyala is “secure” as he witnesses “citizens moving safely”.  File photo by Oliver Chassot/UNAMIDRelated:Sudan MP says South Darfur capital can fall in rebel hands any time (5 April 2013)Gas, goods prices reach ‘unprecedented’ high in S Darfur (20 March 2013)