United Nations Radio

The UN food agency (WFP) has threatened to suspend emergency food distributions in Darfur if the security situation does not improve.

The World Food Programme says relentless attacks on truck convoys in Darfur are pushing to the brink the agency's ability to feed more than 3 million people each month.

The agency says while it has managed to recover three hijacked trucks and four fleet staff on Sunday following the latest attack in South Darfur, 69 trucks and 43 drivers remain unaccounted for.

It says since the beginning of the year, more than 100 vehicles delivering WFP food assistance have been hijacked in Darfur, with many more shot at and robbed.

WFP's deputy representative in Sudan, Monika Midel, says "repeated and targeted attacks on food convoys are making it extraordinarily difficult and dangerous to feed hungry people," adding that "should these attacks continue, the situation will become intolerable to the point where WFP will have to suspend operations in some parts of Darfur."

Since the beginning of the year, WFP has been warning that banditry and attacks have been impeding its operations.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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