WFP suspends barge convoys after attack

In light of the barge attack, WFP has suspended barge convoys, a cost-effective lifeline for more than 300,000 people in southern Sudan, pending a review of the security situation. "The barge corridor has suddenly become extremely unsafe", a WFP spokeswoman told IRIN, adding that security issues would be again be addressed with the government and the authorities in the south to ensure that relief operations can proceed without threat. The barge attack will be among the issues addressed at a meeting of the Technical Committee on Humanitarian Assistance which is scheduled for 25-26 May in Oslo. A number of recent ceasefire violations have limited humanitarian operations in southern Sudan and the meeting will attempt to establish safe rail, road and barge corridors for relief work, a spokeswoman for Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) told IRIN on Thursday.