WFP unable to reach almost 5,400 IDPs

Due to insecurity in the northern Central African Republic, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) says it is unable to reach almost 5,400 internally displaced persons (IDPs) targeted for emergency relief. In an emergency report published on Saturday, the agency said "virtually no information" was available from the affected area. It said the UN system was negotiating access to rebel-controlled areas, and that a planned needs assessment mission would visit Kabo and Batangafo. "WFP intends to resume assistance as soon as access is granted," WFP reported. By contrast, WFP said, the "relatively stable security situation" in the southern part of the capital, Bangui, had allowed it to resume food distributions there. At least 44,000 vulnerable people affected by armed conflict had received 226 mt of food in Bangui in January, it said. "WFP assistance is meant to support these displaced households during their resettlement in southern neighbourhoods of Bangui. Food was distributed entirely to women, for themselves and their families," it said.