WFP welcomes lifting of sanctions

WFP has welcomed the suspension of sanctions against Burundi as a “major step in restoring the country’s ability to meet its food needs.” In a statement received by IRIN, WFP said the economic embargo had driven up the cost of food and agricultural inputs, deepening poverty. Many families have been unable to afford to grow enough food or buy supplies in the market, increasing their vulnerability to malnutrition and disease, the statement said. Livestock health deteriorated over the embargo period due to the cost of vetinary supplies. Cash crop industries, which in the past accounted for 80 percent of the country’s foreign earnings, were unable to officially export their harvests, resulting in higher unemployment.

“It will take time before Burundi’s agricultural production returns top previous levels,” WFP’s Representative in Burundi said in the statement. “The country will need significant amounts of food aid in the immediate future to enable families to slowly recover, and allow the tens of thousands affected by insecurity to receive emergency assistance.”