Russia provides $2m to support WFP operations in Sudan

February 2, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Russia Federation has donated $2 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to support food distributions in Sudan.

The donation, according to a statement extended to Sudan Tribune, would be used to provide food assistance to 70,000 beneficiaries for two months.

“The donation is coming within the framework of continuing cooperation between the Russian Federation and UN World Food Programme to provide the Sudanese citizens in need with vital necessities,” said Russian Chargé d’Affaires Yury Vidakas.

“We think that it is our duty to render assistance at any possible form to the friendly people of the Republic of the Sudan. We are very proud of being the first WFP donors to respond to WFP Sudan’s request for funding for its 2014 emergency operation,” he added.

On his part, however, WFP country director Adnan Khan expressed gratitude to the Russian Federation for their generosity.

“We are very grateful for the Russian Federation’s support which will help WFP provide timely and much-needed food assistance to [the] displaced and conflict affected people as well as other vulnerable groups across the country,” he said.

This year alone, however, WFP said it plans to reach close to 4 million people across Sudan, more than 3 million of whom are said to be in Darfur. The agency further says it remains concerned about the plight of the newly displaced following recent conflict in Sudan’s regions of Darfur and South Kordofan, North Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

Sudan is reportedly one of WFP’s largest and most complex operations, providing food assistance to people suffering from conflict, displacement and chronic under-nourishment in Darfur, as well as in the east and border areas to the south.

(ST).