ROME - The UN World Food Programme will soon be increasing food assistance to the Central African Republic (CAR), a news release by the UN agency says. 

 

The decision comes following a two-day trip to the CAR by WFP Regional Director for West Africa, Denise Brown. During her visit, Ms Brown met with many displaced persons who had left their homes and possessions behind in order to seek more secure shelter. 

 

Conflict has plagued the CAR for many years now, but after a transitional government was installed this past March, violence continues to escalate. In meetings with President Michel Djotodia and Prime Minister Nicolas Tiangaye, Ms Brown underlined the importance for security measures to be installed in order to allow the WFP and its parters to safely conduct their programmes, the news release explained.

 

Ms Brown stated that "we need to do more, invest in education and nutrition and jump start the economy in this country," continuing to state that "support is immediately required."

 

Now the WFP is re-opening its offices in the north eastern and western parts of the country. It will help to provide support to the estimated 500,000 people in immediate need of assistance. With schools set to reopen in October, following closures for security reasons, the WFP will also provide emergency meals at schools in order to "ease the food and nutritional crisis among children." School attendance will prove vital, as it will also "help reduce the risk of children being recruited by armed groups," the report concluded.