WFP Emergency Report
Issued weekly by the United Nations World Food Programme
Report No. 14 / 2006 - Date 07 April 2006


This report includes:

(A) Highlights
(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe:
    (1) Russian Federation (Caucasus)
(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Eritrea
    (4) Ethiopia (5) Kenya (6) Rwanda (7) Somalia (8) Sudan (9) Tanzania
    (10) Uganda
(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Guinea (4) Mauritania
    (5) Niger
(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
    (5) Namibia (6) Swaziland (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe
(F) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba
    (4) Ecuador (5) Guatemala (6) Haiti (7) Peru


(A) Highlights

(a)  Eight districts included in the WFP drought operation in Kenya are
reporting deterioration in the food security situation and a subsequent
need to increase the beneficiary numbers.

(b)  Mr. Jan Egeland, the UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian
Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, visited Uganda 30 March to 2
April. He traveled to Pader district, where he was hosted by WFP, and
where he visited the Patongo IDP camp.

(c)  WFP has distributed 10,700 tons of food so far to 646,000
beneficiaries in southern Somalia as part of the WFP's drought response
intervention.

(d)  In Chad, WFP delivered a total of 362 tons of food to 53,888
beneficiaries.

(e)  Between 1 and 31 March, WFP dispatched a total of 17,997 tons of
mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region, Sudan realising 87
percent of the dispatch plan for the month.



(B) Middle East,Central Asia and Eastern Europe: (1) Russian Federation
(Caucasus)

(1) Russian Federation (Caucasus)

(a)  During the reporting period (16-31 March), the situation in
Chechnya was relatively quiet. The special large-scale operation that
involved up to 3,000 law enforcement agency's (LEA) personnel and was
conducted in mountainous regions to eliminate a LEA unit that deserted
and joined militant forces has finished. Two large arms caches were
reported to be found in Vedenski and Urus-Martan districts of Chechnya.
On 25 March, a reported possible terrorist attack was prevented in
Vladikavkaz, the capital of North Ossetia. Three murders of senior
police officials were committed in Daghestan and a head of district
administration was assassinated in the capital city. Four passers-by
were wounded. There is currently no negative impact on WFP operations.
Monitoring will recommence in Vedeno and Nojai-Yurt districts of
Chechnya now that the Special Operation has been concluded.

(b)  During the reporting period, the Relief Distribution (RD) was
resumed in Chechnya and the March cycle was completed at the end of the
month by Danish Refugee Council (DRC) and Centre for Humanitarian Action
(CHA), while Islamic Relief (IR) has not yet completed it. Within this
distribution cycle of March some 926 tons of food commodities were
provided to 87,323 beneficiaries. Due to limited amount of the
commodities and unpredictability of future resourcing WFP Country Office
(CO) took a decision to implement RD in Chechnya only, where it was
perceived that the food need is more as compared to Ingushetia. The
Food-for-Education (FFE) programme was implemented in 453 schools and
pre-school educational institutions in Chechnya by providing some 352
tons of food commodities to 128,238 children.

(c)  During the reporting period, a new Food-for-Work (FFW) project
involving 70 participants was launched in Achkhoy-Martan. This
agricultural project will be implemented jointly with the state farm and
is aimed at preserving the abandoned apple orchards. Currently WFP is
working more with the local government to select FFW participants who
were previously identified solely by WFP partners. Within the joint with
IMC Food for Training project 15 trainees from the vulnerable IDP
families continued attending the hairdressing courses. They will receive
food upon completion of the courses. WFP also provided the Dining Hall
project implemented by Caritas Czech Republic, which assists about 1,600
vulnerable people in Grozny, with about 13 tons of food commodities.
Starting from April WFP jointly with the local Ministry of Social
Protection and Caritas are preparing for setting up within this project,
four new canteens in three districts of Grozny City while the number of
beneficiaries will remain the same. WFP also supported the TB project by
providing about 13 tons of food to 343 TB patients in Ingushetia and
about 11 tons of food to 338 TB patients in Chechnya.

(d)  After four months gap in relief distribution in Ingushetia and
Chechnya, WFP received some donations which enable to carry out relief
distribution in April and May. So far confirmed contributions constitute
13 percent of the planned requirements of $22 mln. WFP has appealed for
urgently needed additional funds to ensure continuity of basic food
distribution to thousands of vulnerable people in Chechnya and
Ingushetia. Within the next six months the operation will face
considerable shortfalls in all food items constituting EMOP's food
basket and required for all WFP programmes in the North Caucasus.



(C) East & Central Africa: (1) Burundi (2) Congo, DR (3) Eritrea (4)
Ethiopia (5) Kenya (6) Rwanda (7) Somalia (8) Sudan (9) Tanzania (10)
Uganda

(1) Burundi

(a)  Burundi has concluded a first round of talks to form a Truth and
Reconciliation Committee (TRC) and a special court with a United Nations
team as part of plans aimed at pacifying the country. According to a
statement released last week, the officials discussed the formation of a
judicial panel, procedures of holding consultation with the people,
amnesty as well as the establishment, jurisdiction, function and
financing of the TRC. The United Nations delegation, led by Nicholas
Michel, the deputy secretary in charge of judicial affairs, said Burundi
has to abolish the death penalty, recognize genocide and war crimes,
crimes against humanity and independence of the special court as
critical considerations in talks to form the TRC.

(b)  UN special Representative and head of the UN Operation in Burundi
(ONUB), Carolyn McAskie, announced her departure ahead of the end of her
two-year mandate till 31 December 2006. McAskie in her farewell press
conference informed that Nourredine Satti, the deputy special
representative in Burundi, would replace her as head of the ONUB for the
rest of the tenure.

(c)  Three Burundian ministers representing the Front pour la democratie
au Burundi (FRODEBU) in President Pierre Nkurunziza's government
reported to work on Monday last week despite a directive by their party
to pull out of government. FRODEBU Chairman Leonce Ngendakumana
announced the party was withdrawing from the government to protest what
he termed the government's failure to abide by democratic principles.

(d)  WFP Country Office (CO) distributed 1,815 tons of food during the
period 27 March to 2 April. This will further increase as the new round
of targeted food distributions gear up.

(e)  Data extracted from the nutritional surveys conducted by NGOs in
drought-affected areas confirm a situation precarious but not alarming.
Similar nutritional patterns (sometimes worse) appear in non-drought
affected areas such as Bujumbura rural. The CO notices with concern the
negative coping mechanisms adopted by the households to deal with the
food shortages. One such is the migration of Burundian population from
the provinces bordering Tanzania to UNHCR camps, across the border. This
allows them to get the regular/monthly food rations distributed in camps
and bring it back to their households in Burundi. Between 11,000 and
12,000 Burundians have crossed the border to UNHCR camps recently. Over
the weekend, the camp that hosted this population has been closed. This
population is being provided by WFP with a one-month ration return
package. They will also be included in the lists of beneficiaries of WFP
targeted food distributions in May and June. The harvest will start
mid-June and targeted distributions should stop then. WFP has
distributed more than 1,100 tons of foodstuffs in this province from
January 2006 to date.


(2) Congo, DR

(a)  It is reported that in Ituri, newly displaced persons continued to
converge to Bunia to avoid the attacks of the militias resisting the
demobilization process. The militias attacked on government and MONUC on
28th March. WFP's cooperating partner Association pour le Developpement
Social et la Sauvegarde de l'Environnement (ADSSE) is busy registering
the newcomers. Meanwhile, through the Italian NGO Cooperazione e
Sviluppo (CESVI), 38 tons of WFP have been distributed to 4,550 IDPs who
had arrived a few weeks earlier in Bunia.

(b)  IDPs who had fled from Kibirizi (North Kivu) due to insecurity and
had settled in Kayna and Kirumba are now because the two localities have
become unsafe. Several NGOs, such as German Agro Action and OXFAM GB
have recently suspended their activities in these areas due to the
increased insecurity caused by armed clashes between the military and
uncontrolled foreign militia. The humanitarian community in the area has
requested the United Nations Mission of Observers to assist in securing
both Kayna and Kirumba.

(c)  Further north, still in the North Kivu province, Norwegian Refugee
Council's primary school supported by WFP was looted by soldiers from
government en route for redeployment to Ituri. The soldiers took away 10
bags of 50kg each of MML, one carton containing 21kg of oil, 150 plates,
130 cups and 5 jugs of 20 liters provided by WFP. The incident occurred
at night between 30th and 31st March.

(d)  In the South Kivu province, inaccessibility of the Bukavu-Kalonge
axis combined with the high insecurity hindered access to Kalonge and
surrounding areas. As a result, over 2,000 displaced families were out
of reach of humanitarian assistance, including WFP food.

(e)  On 31st March 49 tons of WFP food was distributed to 1,481
displaced households in Vuhovi, North Kivu. According to Solidarite
France, the caseload of IDPs in Vuhovi increased from 3,884 households
at the end of January 2006 to 14,000 due to the persisting insecurity in
Isale (their area of origin).

(f)  The increasing caseload of IDPs is putting a stress on WFP
pipeline. In the North Kivu province, inadequate food did not allow to
meet the needs of targeted beneficiaries for May and June resulting in
the suspension of recovery activities.

(g)  WFP released 154 tons of food to Caritas Bukavu for distribution to
16,140 IDPs identified in the troubled Kalehe area and 19,400 school
children on school feeding programmes in Walungu.

(h)  In the Katanga province, the cooperating partner Action Mieux Etre
(AME) completed the distribution of 70 tons of WFP to 17,600 IDPs in
Nyonga. The NGO Association des Agriculteurs Sans Frontieres also
completed the distribution of 85 tons of WFP food to 13,000 IDPs in
Dubie. To reduce delays in food deliveries, WFP started the airdropping
of food into Dubie on 5th April. The food will be used to cover the
needs of IDPs in May. After Dubie, WFP plans to airdrop food in Mitwaba,
Sampwe and Kasungeji in the weeks to come.


(3) Eritrea

(a)  The border dispute with Ethiopia remained a deadlock and officials
from both side were supposed to meet in London in 28-29 April 2006 for a
new round of talk.  The international boundary commission, as part of a
U.S. mediation effort, met with legal experts from both nations in
London last month in hopes of convincing them to accept a resumption of
the demarcation process.

(b)  The U.N. peace keeping mission's mandate is due to expire on 15
April 2006 and some members of the Security Council have called for the
force to be scaled back if the peace process remain a deadlock. However,
the diplomats reported that the council was likely to extend the mandate
for another month to let diplomatic efforts continue.

(c)  The regional administrators of the six regions presented reports on
their efforts being made to achieve food security and development plans
for 2006 in a meeting held on 13 March at Massawa. The plans include
construction of micro-dams, water diversion schemes and embankments,
road renovation, laying irrigation infrastructure, provision of potable
water supply, boosting milk/meat products, improving modern cattle
reproduction, construction of health centers and schools, among others.
Operation Zone commanders and Task Force members of food management took
part in the meeting.

(d)  In March the Eritrean government instructed three international
NGOs, Mercy Corps International (MCI), CONCERN and ACCORD, to cease
operations in Eritrea retroactively as of 28 February 2006, because they
could not meet operational requirements. MCI distributed US supplied
food aid to drought-affected people in Northern Red Sea region and also
supported school feeding and other recovery-related activities in this
region. CONCERN implemented supplementary feeding activities in the
country's central region with UNICEF-supplied food commodities.

(e)  WFP's Regional Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) Officer is
visiting Eritrea to strengthen WFP Eritrea's VAM capacity.

(f)  The Government of Debub region initiated food-for-work related
activities to protect dams from soil erosion enhancing drip irrigation.
WFP has been approached for the first time to assist in this type of
project.

(g)  It was reported in Gheleb, a sub-region of Anseba in the
north-western part of the country, that the harvest has already been
depleted. Inhabitants are exclusively depending on sorghum provided by
the local government at the subsidized rate of 640 ERN (15.00 ERN = 1
US$) per quintal (1 quintal = 50 kg). Though below the market price,
this sorghum is not affordable for everyone. The entire sub-region is
facing food shortages resulting in absenteeism of children in schools
and increasing malnutrition rates.

(h)  WFP's food distributions remain suspended except for 72,000 IDPs in
camps. WFP authorized the distribution of about 80 tons of Dry Skimmed
Milk (DSM) to health facilities as the expiry date is nearing. WFP field
monitors in Southern Red Sea reported that this DSM is being distributed
to pregnant mothers and malnourished children in three heath stations.
WFP team advised to accelerate the utilization by providing wet-feeding
at the health facilities. In Ghel'alo, Northern Red Sea, signs of
malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies in women and children visiting the
health centres is becoming evident. Some of these centres reported that
their food stocks were depleted to the Government's suspension of food
deliveries and that they had to discontinue therapeutic and
supplementary feeding activities.

(i)  In contrast to Southern Red Sea/Northern Red Sea, livestock in Gash
Barka region is generally in fairly good condition; fodder is still
available. In Anseba the herds are in critical condition due to drought
in the region, causing livestock owners to sell at a lower price to buy
cereals in return. According to field observations in Southern Red Sea,
the cattle and sheep populations in the drought-affected subregions of
Tio and Ghelalo have suffered high mortalities.

(j)  The contributions registered under the PRRO 10192.1 stand at
approximately US$ 51.5 million covering almost 25 percent of the total
food requirements of the project.  Further food commitments and
deliveries to Eritrea are kept in abeyance at the request of WFP.


(4) Ethiopia

(a)  Monitoring continues of the "belg" rain performance (short rainy
season in cropping areas) and "gu (long rainfall season in southern
pastoral areas). The performance so far is mixed: poor in northern part
of the country but encouraging in parts of the south. In Somali region,
rainfall appears to have started earlier than usual with good rainfall
reported from mid-March, especially in northern and southern parts of
the region.

(b)  The federal Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Agency (DPPA) is
continuing its daily dispatches to Somali region and Borena zone of
Oromiya region. From the 23,500 tons of food aid allocated for Somali
region in February, 41 percent has been dispatched. The DPPA has also
started moving quantities of food allocated in March. For Borena, the
DPPA has allocated 2,500 tons of food aid in February and currently the
dispatch status is at 67 percent; from the 2,240 tons allocated in
March, some 57 percent has been dispatched. WFP is regularly monitoring
the food arrivals and distributions and confirms that food has been
delivered to all the nine zones of the Somali region and Borena zone of
Oromiya region. Furthermore, WFP monitors confirm that distributions
have taken place in the zones of Afder, Gode, Korahe, Liben, Deghabur,
Fik, Jijiga, Shinile and Warder zones of Somali region and in Borena
zone. The federal DPPA is also dispatching March allocations of
emergency food 875 tons to Afar and so far 53 percent of the allocation
has been transported.

(c)  In order to increase the dispatch rate a number of measures have
been taken including giving priority for transporters to the region,
regular radio broadcasts informing beneficiaries of food allocations and
deploying military escorts. All transporting issues for the drought
emergency is now being coordinated by a Transport Coordination
Commission, set up at federal level, as well as in Nazareth and Dire
Dawa. In addition, a new delivery method is devised where trucks
transporting food will travel in convoy (a minimum of 20 trucks)
escorted by army. While the system could reduce food diversions, it
could also result in delays. The Road Transport Authority is also trying
to increase the transport capacity for dispatches, redeployment of
trucks from Nazareth to Dire Dawa and more involvement of Somali trucks
in the operation. In addition, there are plans for printing vouchers for
food delivery and receipts will be printed for each district, instead of
zones. There is hope that these measures will increase the dispatch
rate.

(d)  In Borena, Afar and Somali, WFP school feeding is covering 232
schools with 73,830 students benefiting. Some 1,308 tons of food was
dispatched in September 2005 to the schools. In Afar region, the current
stocks in schools cover the school feeding needs until the end of June
2006 whereas in Borena zone of Oromiya the stocks were exhausted in the
end of March 2006 and Somali in February 2006. Due to problems in the
tendering, the transportation of the second semester food has been
delayed, however it is expected that the dispatches will resume shortly
and school feeding will be recommenced in Borena the end of April and in
Somali region by mid-April.

(e)  The following paragraph refers to WFP's Targeted Supplementary
Feeding (TSF) only: Somali region is about to begin moving food to the
priorised districts in Gode this week. In these 8 districts, 18,500
beneficiaries will receive supplementary rations of corn soya blend and
oil. Food will move to the remaining 13 districts once the Gode
districts have been dispatched. In Somali region, a total of 58,500
children under-5 and women will receive food in April with the next
round of distribution being planned for June. In Oromiya region, the
dispatches are completed for 16 districts in East Hararge with
distributions to beneficiaries all but completed.  By 10 April, food
will move to an additional 47 districts in the region. Significant
delays have been experienced in both retrieving the data and in the
transport procedures. In this round, transporters have not responded to
tenders to transport food to Borena (the 3 highland districts), North
Shewa (5 districts) and Kulfachela districts in East Hararge. A total of
24 districts out of 87 in the region will not receive food during this
round of distribution. The Oromiya DPPA is giving emphasis to the
importance of resolving the above issues prior to the next round of
screening due to take place in May, when all 87 districts are expected
to be covered. Substantial TSF activities are also underway in Afar,
Amhara, Gambella, SNNPR and Tigray.


(5) Kenya

(a)  Eight districts included in the WFP drought operation are reporting
deterioration in the food security situation and a subsequent need to
increase the beneficiary numbers. These reports are based on recently
carried out rapid assessments involving the Government, NGO partners and
WFP. The reports have been shared with the Kenya Food Security Steering
Group that have accepted two of them, rejected two for lack of
information and is reviewing others. Furthermore, two nutrition surveys
are currently being carried out in Mandera district, one by AAH and the
other by MSF Belgium. The AAH report finds 21 to 27 percent global acute
malnutrition while the severe acute malnutrition is in the range of 2 to
3 percent. UNICEF is coordinating nutrition surveys in the nine
pastoralist districts.

(b)  Some rainfall has been reported in Mandera,Turkana, Malindi, Kilifi
but it has been erratic and unevenly distributed. Good rainfall was
reported throughout the reporting week in Kwale. In Taita Taveta,
according to recent reports, as a result of the first long rains,
pasture and browse regenarion is good and water pans are filled with
water. Parts of Makueni such as Wote, Emali and Mwatika have been
experiencing a good rainfall.

(c)  The February distribution (which started late February and spilled
over into March) covered 2,357,553 people with 24,155 tons. The March
distribution began mid-month in 25 districts for 3 million drought
affected beneficiaries and is expected to finish by the end of the first
week of April. Estimate of food distributed during the March
distribution is 30,500 tons for 3,006,275 people; in addition 6,413 tons
of food expanded school feeding is being moved. The April distribution
is expected to begin in mid-month for all 25 districts.

(d)  With the newly confirmed US donation of USD 18,000,000, total
amount confirmed against the EMOP requirements stands at USD 100
million, which brings the shortfall to approximately 56 percent. In
addition, there are a few other donations still awaiting official
confirmation. Whereas 30,000 tons of maize is currently being purchased
on the international market, a tender for 10,000 tons of maize has been
floated on the local market. This combined quantity will cover part of
May and all of June. Additional cereals will be required for the
July/August distribution, 24,000 tons/month. Additional funds are
urgently required for this purchase in order for the commodities to be
distributed in July, given the leadtime required for the delivery of
food from international and regional purchases.

(e)  The Kenya Country Office is supporting four donor visits to the
field in the week of 3 April, including the Assistant Administrator of
USAID, the representatives of USAID and DFID to Kenya, and a group of
Ambassadors and Charges d'Affaires. They will be taken to the WFP
drought emergency and, in some instances, the refugee operation areas.

(f)  Refugee rations remain reduced by 20 percent of the required
kilocalories through at least mid-April, as it takes time for new
donations to arrive and the available stocks in the country and the
region are low. Currently, the refugee operation requires a total of
10,100 tons of mixed commodities valued at USD 4.5 million between now
and Oct. An increase in cash contributions is required to cover the
major pipeline breaks in pulses and oil in April and May. These
commodities could be procured in the region and locally and that would
ease the strain on refugees who are currently receiving reduced rations.

(g)  Despite the UNHCR repatriation efforts, the refugee camps of Kukuma
and Daadab have received influxes from S. Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia
during this year. In the week starting on 27 March Kakuma alone received
a total of 270 new arrivals and there are reports from UNHCR of 300
weekly new arrivials during several weeks in March as a result of
drought and conflict in Somalia.


(6) Rwanda

(a)  A Rapid Food Security and Nutrition Assessment (EFSNA) of the four
most affected districts will be conducted in mid April in cooperation
with ODAN and ODK in order to have objective reliable data for future
assistance.

(b)  The joint Comprehensive Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment
by WFP/VAM, in collaboration with FEWSNET, GoR, UN and NGO partners is
ongoing. Results are expected in end of May.

(c)  The number of Congolese refugees remained at 41,002. The number of
Burundian refugees also remained stable at 2,557. Only 25 refugees were
repatriated to Burundi. 309 Burundian refugees were transferred to
Kigeme from Nyamyre further away from the border area.

(d)  One-month ration of 37.9 tons of mixed commodities were distributed
to 1,954 refugees in Nyamure and Kiziba camps. 11.7 tons as 15-day
ration was also distributed to 1,294 asylum seekers in Nkamira transit
camps.

(e)  Some 117 returnees from DRC passed through Nkamira and Nyagatare
transit camps. They received a three-month ration consisting of 5.9 tons
before being transported to their home countries.


(7) Somalia

(a)  WFP has distributed so far 10,700 tons of food to 646,000
beneficiaries in southern Somalia as part of the WFP's drought response
intervention, of which 8,700 tons have been distributed as emergency
assistance to 520,000 beneficiaries and 2,000 tons under Food-for-Work
and selective feeding activities to about 126,000 beneficiaries.
Additional 7,000 tons of food are currently in Somalia, under transport
to final distributions for around 500,000 people.

(b)  Additional 12,000 tons of cereals are ready for shipment to Somalia
from a regional purchase in South Africa, of which 6,200 tons are
expected to sail during this and next week. Another 1,100 tons of pulses
from Djibouti are already moving to Somalia, while 4,000 tons of mainly
cereals and 1,000 tons of Corn Soya Blend are in Mombasa to be shipped
to Somalia in the coming weeks.

(c)  The preliminary results of the inter-agency nutrition assessment,
undertaken in March 2006, indicate Global Acute Malnutrition of 23.8
percent in Gedo region. WFP's second round food distribution in Gedo
region will be implemented on a priority basis.

(d)  A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Care
and WFP to reflect the previously agreed geographical division of
responsibilities for provision of relief food distributions in Somalia
during the ongoing drought crisis. This MOU takes into account the areas
currently covered by ICRC, too.

(e)  In order to strengthen the system of food aid distributions, a
report on lessons learned in the emergency drought response so far has
been compiled with inputs from selected partners and field staff. Based
on the findings, the lists of villages and beneficiary caseloads to be
assisted, as well as the emergency relief distribution plan is general
are currently being reviewed.

(f)  A mission from the WFP HQ is currently visiting the region and
reviewing the establishment of a Regional Logistics cell and looking at
the implementation of the logistics cluster within the emergency
operations in the Horn of Africa Region.

(g)  As a preparatory measure for possible contingency needs,
information is being collected from the field on locations for potential
airdrops of food in case the usual transport is hindered due to climatic
reasons or insecurity. A Special Operation to provide for air deliveries
of limited quantities of food aid, in case of need, has been endorsed by
the WFP Project Review Committee.

(h)  Ongoing VAM analysis is taking into account rainfall data from the
Ethiopian highlands, which has an effect on river water level in
Somalia, most notable the Juba and Shebelle rivers.

(i)  Media mission to Southern Somalia, organised from 27 to 30 March
2006, was completed successfully.


(8) Sudan

(a)  During the reporting period (30 March-05 April), the security
situation in the state remained volatile with Shearia and Gereida areas
causing particular concern. The presence of armed militia and rebel
groups as well as government troops remain, with frequent attacks on
villages leading to property being damaged and looted, displacements and
fatalities including civilians. There are indications that the situation
may deteriorate further. The insecurity in the affected areas has
restricted accessibility for UN staff and vehicles, although WFP
continues to work closely with Cooperating Partners and communities to
ensure that humanitarian needs are met where possible.

(b)  WFP Security and the United Nations Department of Safety and
Security carried out road assessments along the northern and south
western corridors in west Darfur during the reporting period. Routes
from El Geneina to Gellu and El Geneina to Selea were reclassified as
category 'C' and 'B' respectively thereby allowing for humanitarian
access, with a larger convoy required for the former. Additionally,
Selea and Kulbus are now accessible by air. To the southwest of the
state capital, recommendations to reclassify Habilah-Arara-Beida-Kongo
Haraza route to category 'B' were similarly approved during the
reporting period. Further security assessments in areas including Azerni
and Sanidadi are planned for the coming weeks.

(c)  The security situation in Jebel Marra remained tense during the
reporting period and humanitarian agencies have consequentially
relocated from the area. Reports indicate that intensified fighting
continued between armed groups, and the area remains 'no-go' to the UN.
A marked increase in burglaries and attempted burglaries in El Geneina
targeting the international humanitarian community was apparent during
the reporting period.

(d)  Increased troop movements and armed clashes both between and within
groups party to the conflict were reported in North Darfur during the
reporting period. An attack on Debbis village, 35 km northwest of Kutum,
resulted in one fatality, a number of injuries and property and
livestock being looted. Further fighting was meanwhile reported in the
Korma area, where food distributions were suspended in March in the wake
of heightened insecurity resulting from infighting between SLA factions.
Incidents of highway banditry continued to be reported in North Darfur
during the reporting period, three of which involved humanitarian
vehicles. Cash and personal possessions were looted in each case,
although no casualties reported.

(e)  On 27 March, the Commissioner in Longochok demanded a WFP convoy
loaded with food commodities, en route to Nasir, to divert food to a
different location in Upper Nile. Following discussions, the convoy was
later released.

(f)  Temporary movement restrictions were imposed as a precautionary
measure by local authorities in Rumbek following the death of a GOSS
soldier, when he fell from a moving truck. The incident resulted in an
angry reaction from the other soldiers travelling with him on the same
truck. The situation was later contained.

(g)  A WFP mission met with Kassala security authorities and UN security
in the East to assess the recommendation of the ASMT to shift Kassala
from UN Security Phase Two to Three.  Restriction of movement continued
to affect the implementation of humanitarian activities in the state.

(h)  The general security situation in Red Sea was reportedly calm
during the reporting period. However, the State Ministry of Social and
Cultural Affairs has closed down the Beja Club in Diem Arab in Port
Sudan on 28 March, as the annual license was not renewed. Military
armoured vehicles were deployed to the area to contain tension. The
opposition Beja Conference that was planned to take place in Port Sudan
in the coming weeks was also suspended.

(i)  Restriction of movement by local security authorities continues to
affect implementation of WFP activities in Abyei. WFP's verification and
registration exercise in four locations north and west of Abyei town was
not undertaken due to the imposed restriction.

(j)  Staff of the Nuba Mountains Programme for Advancing Conflict
Transformation (NMPACT) were stopped during the reporting period in a
checkpoint near Chawere, South Kordofan where their personal belongings
were searched at gunpoint. All staff were later released. The incident
is currently being followed up by UNMIS.

(k)  In addition, schools in Longan and Um Dehelib were burned as a
result of a conflict between SPLM and GoS supporters in these areas. The
conflict resulted from disagreement on educational methods used in
schools as well as language of instruction.

(l)  The fieldwork for the livelihoods study was completed in North
Darfur during the reporting period. The purpose of the study is to
enhance understanding of the extent that livelihoods and markets have
adapted to the current conflict, and assess the impact of food aid.
Fieldwork commenced in West Darfur on 2 April and is expected to take
one week before the team moves on to assess South Darfur. External
consultants, commissioned by WFP, are carrying out the study.

(m)  WFP held a two-day food-for-education workshop in Lakes state. Some
277 persons participated in the workshop including local authorities,
the state Ministry of Health, Parent-Teacher Associations and
commissioners from various counties. The objective of the workshop was
to brief participants on WFP policies and procedures for
food-for-education activities, and to reiterate the roles of the various
stakeholders in food management activities.

(n)  WHO and the Ministry of Health have requested WFP's support for
supplementary feeding activities in the general hospital. WFP plans to
initially assess and verify the needs before beginning assistance.

(o)  WFP, the Ministry of Agriculture and other humanitarian agencies
participated in a food security meeting in South Kordofan to boost
collaboration among partners in the state. WFP urged all parties to
consider expanding WFP assistance through other distribution
modalities.. The Ministry was pleased with WFP's distribution plan in
which food will be distributed simultaneously with seeds and tools. This
will encourage beneficiaries to plant and not consume the seeds. CARE
International, Fellowship African Relief, and German Agro Action will
distribute the seeds and tools along with WFP food distributions before
the start of rainy season. WFP will organize meetings with the Ministry
and FAO to ensure continued coordination of efforts.

(p)  To harmonise programming and implementation of activities, WFP
organisational arrangement in South Kordofan changed as of 1 April.
Kauda field office will now be supervised by the Kadugli sub-office.

(q)  Preliminary findings of the rolling needs assessment mission
undertaken in North Kordofan state during March reflect a better
agricultural production than last year's in most of the assessed areas.
However, food and water shortages continue to affect the populations in
these areas.  It was also indicated that the Darfur conflict that
resulted in massive displacement of population has affected the security
situation, livelihoods and coping mechanisms in some areas of North
Kordofan.  In White Nile, teams comprising of WFP and Cooperating
Partners concluded the fieldwork for the rolling needs assessment in the
State on 26 March. The fieldwork was conducted in four locations,
covering both IDPs and residents. The mission confirmed that the 2005
agricultural production was generally better compared to the previous
year, except for the northwestern part of the state where rains stopped
early resulting to a failed crop. WFP will make recommendations for
assistance after completing the data analysis.

(r)  Between 1 and 31 March, WFP dispatched a total of 17,997 tons of
mixed food from logistical hubs to the Darfur region realising 87
percent of the dispatch plan for the month. This includes 4,241 tons of
cereals dispatched to El Geneina from Abeche (Chad). March dispatches
were lower than planned due to a shortage of food available in Port
Sudan and in the hubs of El Obeid and Khartoum. A further 1,752 tons was
dispatched between 1 and 3 April against the month's target of 36,750
tons. As yet, there have been no air deliveries to the Darfur region in
2006.

(s)  During the reporting period, WFP's 6x6 fleet transported a total of
1,473 tons of food in the three Darfur states.

(t)  Preparations were underway during the week to build up stocks of
food in West Darfur prior to the onset of the rains. The food will be
pre-positioned in remote locations that are anticipated to become
inaccessible during the rainy season. This will ensure the continuation
of food aid during what is typically the 'hunger period' for many
vulnerable people in the region.

(u)  During the reporting period, WFP dispatched a total of 620 tons of
food commodities from Uganda and Kenya. Another 441 tons was delivered
by road from Koboko/Tororo and 179 tons was despatched from Lokichoggio
into South Sudan.

(v)  Verification of recent arrivals in El Fasher camps from Shearia,
South Darfur was ongoing during the reporting period. Recurrent arrivals
as a result of continuing displacements of both residents and IDPs is
putting notable strain on the capacity of camps, particularly those in
the vicinity of the major towns of North and South Darfur. In addition,
3,000 IDPs from Shearia are estimated to have settled in El Fasher town.
Once verified, WFP plans to assist them as part of the El Salaam camp
caseload.

(w)  WFP and African Humanitarian Action conducted a rapid food needs
assessment in four villages in Um Kedada during the reporting period.
Preliminary findings indicate that certain pockets of the locality may
require assistance during the lean season, although the overall
situation is not alarming.

(x)  WFP, UNHCR and Catholic Relief Services undertook a rapid needs
assessment in Gellu to determine the food security situation of Chadian
refugees currently in the area. A similar assessment in early March
noted that the refugees' coping strategies included the provision of
food by the host communities of villages in the vicinity. This
mechanism, however, was assessed to have become insufficient to meet the
needs of the refugees and general food distribution recommended
accordingly. Meanwhile, WFP and UNHCR developed a procedure for
registering and assisting refugees and returnees across the state in
anticipation of further cross-border population movements in the coming
months.

(y)  WFP and Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) undertook a joint
assessment following reports of a recent spate of attacks in vicinity of
El Safia, south of Nyala. An estimated 1,350 individuals were noted to
have been forced to leave their homes following the attacks and are
currently seeking refuge in Billel camp. NRC is accordingly planning to
conduct a registration and verification exercise so that those in need
of humanitarian assistance are included in upcoming food distributions.

(z)  Findings of a needs assessment undertaken by OCHA in Cueibet County
(Upper Nile) recommended immediate provision of humanitarian assistance
to the returnees and vulnerable residents of the county. In response,
WFP plans to provide food assistance to 22,000 vulnerable residents in
the county. Non-food items will be provided by other humanitarian
agencies.

(aa)  WFP verified and registered a total of 1,797 residents/returnees
in Longchok. In addition, local authorities requested assistance to an
estimated 1,778 vulnerable beneficiaries in the same area and another
16,000 in Welgok Payam, Udiar and Dajo Payams. Verification and
registration of these beneficiaries is yet to be conducted to assess
required assistance.

(ab)  Local Authorities in Cuiebet County reported the arrival of 3,208
returnees from Khartoum and Wau. The sudden influx is reportedly
straining the limited available resources of the host communities. Local
authorities in Yirol registered 2,542 returnees arriving from Khartoum,
Juba, Terekeka and Kaltok. WFP is in the process of verifying the number
of these returnees to provide required assistance.

(ac)  WFP together with other UN agencies and NGOs participated in a
Contingency Planning Mission for Hamashkoreib IDPs in Kassala. Findings
are being finalized.

(ad)  WFP and the state Government of Red Sea signed a joint Letter of
Understanding to enhance cooperation on food-food-education programmes
in Red Sea state. Parties discussed future plans in regard to increasing
enrolment, improving quality of education and boosting coordination.

(ae)  During the reporting period, WFP dispatched 194 tons of assorted
commodities to distribution sites in returnee villages in Abyei.
Cooperating Partner, Save the Children-US, will distribute in returnee
villages from 1 to 3 April.

(af)  According to IOM, a total of 3,903 returnees, who arrived from the
five entry points in South Kordofan, were identified and registered from
1 to 14 March. Out of the total, 1,346 returnees will settle in the
state while the remaining are en route to Unity, Upper Nile, Bahr El
Ghazal and Equatoria in South Sudan. Way stations were opened on April
in Talodi, Kauda and Kadugli, however, there was no information reported
by them yet.

(ag)  During the reporting period, WFP reached 17,546 returnees in South
Kordofan with 411 tons of assorted food commodities through general
distributions. In Eastern South Kordofan, WFP teams distributed
one-month full rations totalling 55 tons of commodities to 3,290
returnees in Hajar Hatab. In addition, 356 tons of WFP food was
distributed by CARE International to 14,256 returnees in seven villages
in Western South Kordofan.

(ah)  In South Kordofan, WFP supports a vocational training center for
war-affected traumatized adolescents. The centre, run by Cooperating
Partner Ruy'a Association, facilitates studying of vocational skills in
different fields for the unprivileged and dropout adolescents in the
Nuba Mountains. During the reporting period, 62 students and their
tutors received about one ton of WFP food commodities under this
activity.

(ai)  A total of 142 tons of assorted WFP food commodities was released
to four hafir sites in North Kordofan state for distribution to 3,460
food-for-asset participants of whom 60 percent were female.

(aj)  ADRA and IOM verified and registered 1,435 returnees (339
households) in Kosti wharf and bus station during the reporting period.
Returnees arrived from Khartoum, Gezira, White Nile, Blue Nile, Gedaref,
Kassala and Red Sea en route to South Kordofan, Upper Nile, Equatoria,
Jonglei and Bahr El Ghazal states. ADRA distributed about two tons of
WFP's High Energy Biscuits to 1,145 returnees during the reporting
period.

(ak)  WFP and the Sudan Council of Churches are preparing to register
and verify IDPs in the camps in Kosti. The exercise will take place from
12 to 20 April.

(al)  By the end of March, the Emergency Operation 10503.0 had received
contributions totalling US$122 million, 16 percent of the US$746m
requirement. According to the estimates of cash required to guarantee a
healthy pipeline throughout the year, the operation should have received
almost US$400m during the same period. As a result of the slow response
to the appeal, and with shortfalls in certain commodities anticipated
from April onwards, reductions in rations of pulses, sugar and salt were
effected for up to 3.5 million people from March to mitigate the
expected impact of the breaks. With a 50 percent cut in the rations of
these commodities, only 1,950 kcal of the daily recommended intake of
2,100 kcal is being delivered. At the current resourcing level, and with
limited borrowing ability this year, WFP will not be able to
pre-position adequate stocks in remote locations that will become
inaccessible during the rainy season.

(am)  The Humanitarian Air Service (WFP-HAS) Special Operation 10181.3
requires a total of US$27 million in 2006. With monthly operating costs
of over US$2 million, donor support is vital to allow WFP-HAS to
continue to provide services to the humanitarian community in Darfur and
throughout Sudan. Initially, the consequences of the funding shortfall
will lead to an imminent and sizeable reduction in both the fleet size
and the frequency of flights. Ultimately, the air service will be
suspended cutting off access to remote areas, which are not covered by
commercial operators and in many cases where humanitarian assistance is
most needed. This will include the helicopter service in Darfur, which
provides access for the humanitarian community to locations inaccessible
by land due to current and prevailing insecurity.

(an)  Phase III of WFP's Emergency Road Repairs and Mine Clearance
Project Special Operation 10368.0 in South Sudan faces a funding
shortfall of US$79.7 million. In the absence of funding, the project is
now missing the beginning of the dry season for works under Phase III
contracts.

(ao)  WFP is also requesting for US$13 million to augment barge capacity
in Sudan under the Emergency Repairs and Upgrade of River Transport
Infrastructure Special Operation 10412.0. Contributions will be used to
purchase two passenger barges as well as two pushers and eight cargo
barges.


(9) Tanzania

(a)  Following a cross border meeting in Burundi between UNCHR, WFP and
the Burundian and Tanzanian government, the Kibondo district
commissioner held a mass meeting in the three Kibondo way stations to
instruct the asylum seekers to return by 3 April 2006. Refugees were
informed that WFP, UNHCR and the two governments had agreed that the
next food distribution would be made in Burundi on 5 April. In addition
the district commissioner informed the refugees that they would be
forced to return to Burundi if they did not go back voluntarily. As of 4
April, almost all of the 11,000 Burundian asylum seekers had repatriated
to Burundi. Two of the three way stations in Kibondo were empty and only
a few Burundians together with some 250 Congolese refugees remained in
Mugunzu way station.

(b)  The WFP refugee operation (PRRO) continues to distribute reduced
rations in order to extend resources in anticipation of shortfall
expected in June. As a result, refugees are provided with a daily intake
of 1,555, which is 74 percent of the approved ration level. It is
expected that WFP Tanzania will continue distributing reduced rations
until additional resource are contributed to WFP.

(c)  In March, a total of 3,298 refugees (688 Burundians and 2,610
Congolese) repatriated voluntarily to their home. The Burundian
repatriation is so far the lowest monthly figure since April 2002. Since
the beginning of the voluntary repatriation to the DRC in October 2005,
a total of 15,397 Congolese have returned. During the same period, a
total figure of 5,813 newly arrived asylum seekers was recorded in
western Tanzania.

(d)  General distribution covers 360,079 registered refugees. During the
past week, WFP distributed 1,258 tons of food through general
distribution, supplementary and therapeutic feeding in refugee camps in
western Tanzania. Around 7,750 food insecure and otherwise vulnerable
Tanzanians in the host communities surrounding the camps were also
supported with WFP host community activities, including access to
camp-based health care facilities, school feeding, home based care,
food-for-training and vulnerable feeding.

(e)  Since the last update on 29 March, a contribution of US$ 378,788 in
cash has been recieved. The contribution is being programmed for the
purchase of maize.

(f)  A shortfall of 25,157 tons (US$ $15.6 million) exists up to the end
of December 2006.


(10) Uganda

(a)  Uganda's Supreme Court on Thursday rejected opposition leader Kizza
Besigye's petition challenging presidential election results. The court
ruled by a four-three majority that there was no evidence that the
results had been substantially affected by irregularities. Dr. Besigye
faces trial in the High Court on treason, conspiracy to commit treason
and rape charges; and trial before the military court martial for
terrorism and illegal possession of fire arms.

(b)  Mr. Jan Egeland, the UN Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian
Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, visited Uganda 30 March to 2
April. He met with President Museveni to discuss Northern Uganda, the UN
Country Team and the World Bank and held an informal briefing with the
donor core group members and NGOs. He traveled to Pader district, where
he was hosted by WFP. In Pader, he visited Patongo IDP camp.

(c)  Over 800 Ugandans who were evicted from Virunga National Park in
the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the end of March
remain camped at the border town of Kasese and are in dire need of
adequate shelter, food and medicine. Following a rapid emergency
assessment, WFP will provide a one month food ration to the returnees.

(d)  WFP food distribution continues to reach 1.45 million displaced
persons, 165,000 refugees and other vulnerable persons. During the past
week, WFP distributed 3,755 tons of food assistance to 431,641 persons
including IDPs sheltering in camps in Gulu, Kitgum, Pader and Lira
districts, refugees, children in nutrition centres and other vulnerable
persons.

(e)  Access to land around the IDP camps generally increased over the
last 18 months due to a gradual reduction in violent LRA attacks. IDPs
should have been able to provide 40 percent of their daily food needs
starting January 2006, but will still require 60 percent from external
sources until at least the July 2006 harvest. Without this assistance,
malnutrition rates would rocket and the death rates of young children
would increase rapidly. In Pader, WFP has opened 30 acres of land in
Patongo IDP camp for cassava, groundnuts and vegetable seed
multiplication.

(f)  WFP has distributed 146 tons of grain and vegetable seeds, to
12,693 households in four camps (Abako, Obim Rock, Alanyi and Amugu) in
Lira district. Each household also received one hoe and one panga
(machete). This is to support families/households returning to their
villages of origin.

(g)  WFP Pipeline shortfall through December 2006 currently stands at
65,500 tons worth US$ 37 million with pipeline breaks anticipated in
June 2006.



(D) West Africa: (1) Chad (2) Cote d'Ivoire (3) Guinea (4) Mauritania
(5) Niger

(1) Chad

(a)  During the reporting period (23 March- 05 April), the security
situation was calm but remained relatively volatile due to several
clashes in the Sudan-Chad border area between the Chadian National army
and rebel groups.  On March 30, the Chadian army attacked Koulbous and
Koloy; there were casualties.  The Chadian army controls the area.
This attack follows a similar attack by the Chadian army against rebel
positions in the Hadjer Marfeina area on 20 March.  Abeche, Farchana and
Adre are being used as transit routes for the military when moving
toward the border.

(b)  The security situation has not had a major influence on WFP
operations.  Humanitarian staff are regularly sensitised on the usual
security and safety measures. In order to minimize the risks of
incidents and/or accidents, it was decided that all road travel in
eastern Chad should be done by convoys of at least two vehicles, which
must return to base by 16:00.

(c)  The WFP/UNHCR targeted caseload is estimated at 210,000 refugees
registered in twelve camps in the month of April. This figure may change
in view of ongoing regularisations in some camps. Distribution in Gaga
camp has resumed after a temporary suspension. The number of new
arrivals in Gaga camp have decreased over a period of time.  A new
registration committee has been initiated, on which WFP is an active
participant. The regularisation campaign in Kounoungou camp has been
completed with the photographing of all registered refugees.  In Mile
camp, the regularisation exercise will begin 20 April. The search to
find a suitable place to relocate an estimated 16,000 refugees in
Amnaback camp continues. In Touloum camp, a water shortage has caused
people to receive a daily allowance of just less than 9 litres per day,
whereas the recommended quantity is 15 litres per day.

(d)  For the Food-for-Work project, in the Farchana region, seven
projects are being considered in the areas of adult literacy centres,
income generating activities, and training for traditional mid-wives. In
Iridimi town, an evaluation of well-construction projects with partner
AFDI points to an increased agricultural output in the host community.
In Iriba town, the digging of reservoirs for water storage and the
rehabilitation of rural roads under the supervision of IRD
(International Relief and Development) are proceeding as planned.

(e)  The school year's second food delivery continues to WFP-assisted
schools in eastern Chad.  A total of 46,868 pupils in 254 schools are
being assisted with a 45-day ration. Among those, a total of 7,450 girls
are receiving take-home family rations covering two trimesters.

(f)  During the month of March, WFP Humanitarian Air Service (UN-HAS)
transported 742 passengers on the N'Djamena-Abeche routing (UN 21W) and
763 passengers on the Abeche-eastern strips routing (UN 23W).  A total
of 7,443 kg of light cargo and relief supplies were also transported
during the reporting period.

(g)  The EMOP has so far received some US$ 51 million, representing 59
percent of the total requirement. Late confirmations of donor
contributions obliged WFP to borrow US$ 3 million from its internal
emergency account to be able to cater to the needs of the refugees
during the upcoming rainy season, when most camps are inaccessible. The
loan allows WFP to procure 1,200 tons of Corn Soya Blend, 1,000 tons of
pulses, 366 tons of sugar and 84 tons of salt. This should avert a
pipeline break that could lead to a deterioration in the refugees'
nutritional status and generate security problems in an already volatile
environment.

(h)  The WFP Humanitarian Air Service (SO 10338.1) remains dramatically
under resourced with only US$ 1,044,634 so far confirmed against a total
US $7.2 million requirement. While WFP has borrowed over US$1.8 million
from its Internal Emergency Account (IRA) to run the operation until the
end of March 2006, WFP has been able to advance additional funds to
cover the needs until the end of April 2006 and temporarily avoid
suspension of the air service.


(2) Cote d'Ivoire

(a)  During the reporting period, (30 March-5 April), the security
situation was fairly calm in Abidjan and Bouake. Some banditry and armed
robberies have been reported in Abidjan. One WFP staff member was also
robbed at gunpoint. In Man, a staff from OCHA was robbed of household
materials. Also in the West, three persons were killed by unknown
armed-men in the village of Glopaoudi, West of Guiglo.  In Duekoue, a
demonstration planned by the Young Patriots against the return of UNOCI
in the West was called-off by the Military Governor of the Moyen Cavally
Region on Tuesday 4 April. WFP and other UN agencies have established
offices in Duekoue and UNOCI has redeployed troops in Toulepleu and
Duekoue areas.

(b)  Since April 1, two meetings between the FDS and Forces Nouvelles
have been held, one in Yamoussoukro, and the second in Bouake,
Headquarters of FN. the integration of New Forces elements into the
regular army and the deployment of administration in New Forces
controlled north were main points of the discussions. A third meeting
between the two forces is planned on 11th to 12th April 2006 in
Yamoussoukro.

(c)  The insufficiency of potable water continues to worry the
inhabitants of Korhogo and its surrounding. On 3 April, a team of
experts completed exploration of the possibility of linking the water
pipe to the Bandama River situated in the East of Korhogo.

(d)  Following the discovery of cases of meningitis in the town of
Tengrela, north of Korhogo, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health are
currently conducting missions in the area to assess the extent of the
phenomenon and provide technical assistance to the health district.

(e)  The results of the Brevet d'Etude du Premier Cycle (BEPC) and the
Baccalaureate exams conducted in New Forces controlled area during the
month of March 2006 was released. These were the first exams since three
years. 19 percent of 1136 candidates in Korhogo and 26 percent of 2203
candidates in Man successfully passed the BEPC exams. For the
Baccalaureate exams, 23 percent of 1199 candidates in Korhogo and 28
percent of 506 candidates in Man successfully passed.

(f)  During the reporting period, WFP delivered a total of 362 tons of
food to 53,888 beneficiaries. through its sub-offices.  48 tons of food
were delivered to CARE International by WFP Man for distribution to
beneficiaries of projects run by local NGOs.

(g)  The WFP and FAO joint mission aiming at assessing the food and tool
needs of the population for the 2005 farming season is ongoing in the
northern region of Korhogo. The mission completed assessments in the
West and North-West (in Odienne) and will further proceed to the Central
Region of Bouake next week.

(h)  WFP has conducted distributions to 6055 refugees in the camp of
Nicla in the western region of Guiglo. Distribution is ongoing for more
than 11,000 school children as part of the Emergency School Feeding in
the department of Toulepleu, north-west of Guiglo.

(i)  WFP is conducting culinary demonstration on the preparation of
Maize Meals in school canteens and nutrition centres in order to
maximize the utilisation and diversify the preparation of the product in
the canteen and at household level. Beneficiaries and key cooperating
partners have been attending sessions organised by WFP Food Aid Monitors
in the Sub Offices of Man and Korhogo. WFP Sub-Office in Man is
conducting a school assessment and verification mission in the extreme
north-west of the country. Similar exercises will be conducted in other
areas in the coming weeks.

(j)  As of 5th April 2006, the regional Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO) Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina, Ghana, Mali has received a
total of 35.1 million US dollars against the operational needs of 50.1
million US dollars (29.7 percent shortfall or 14.9 million US dollars
against operational requirements). Additional funding is required in
order to avoid pipeline breakage.


(3) Guinea

(a)  Guinean President returned to Guinea on 24 March, after he was
medically evacuated to Switzerland a week earlier.

(b)  During the reporting period (20 March-02 April), a total of 771
Liberian refugees were voluntary repatriated. WFP provided food for the
preparation of hot meals for refugees participating in the convoys. The
progress of the voluntary repatriation process in N'Zerekore camps is
considerably slower than anticipated. Guinean refugee camps host
currently over 48,656 individuals who are being assisted by WFP. The
present count includes 3,003 refugees from Ivory Coast and the balance
from Liberia. During the reporting period, a total of 232 tons were
distributed to 19,347 beneficiaries during the February General Food
Distribution in Laine camp.

(c)  On 30 March, the food dispatch for the second trimester of the
current school year was achieved. A total of 823 tons of food were
distributed for the second trimester reaching 74,271 primary school
children. On 28 March, the head of WFP N'Zerekore sub-office, a school
feeding monitor and the regional inspector of education went to Youmou
prefecture to meet with the local transport union for next dispatch to
school. After intense negotiations an agreement was reached, however WFP
will have to assist in the dispatch to schools with most difficult
access.

(d)  Under the Health and Nutrition,, WFP, UNFPA, FHI, the health
authority of N'Zerekore prefecture and two local NGOs, EVSG and AFA, met
to create the pilot committee for the pilot activity of food support to
people living with HIV/AIDS in N'Zerekore. This committee has the task
of identifying in a transparent manner the group of common beneficiaries
which will be targeted by all the members. The committee will be also
responsible for the follow up and the coordination of the pilot activity
and other activities implemented by the member organizations.

(e)  WFP and MARWOPNET recently launched a joint food for training/DDR
activity for 60 ex-volunteers in Macenta and Gueckedou. Regular visits
to the project site of have shown that the activity has started
successfully.

(f)  On 28 - 29 March, a workshop was organized in N'Zerekore by the VAM
unit of WFP Guinea and OCHA's coordinator. This consisted on a training
on tools and techniques for emergency needs assessment. The participants
included AACG, ACF, CRS/OCPH, FISCR/CRG, MSF-CH, Red Cross, UNFPA and
WFP.


(4) Mauritania

(a)  The Government of Mauritania is taking measures to adopt a plan of
action for the implementation of its National Plan for the Development
of Nutrition, approved in December 2005. WFP, UNICEF, WHO and FAO are
supporting the process.

(b)  Cases of the H5N1 strain of Avian Influenza have been detected in
Nigeria, Cameroon; Niger and Burkina Faso. Although no cases have been
confirmed in Mauritania for the moment, there is a degree of risk given
the country's location along migratory flyways for wild birds. As such,
contingency planning and preparedness actions are underway at the
national level, as well as within the UN system. FAO has announced a
donation of 400,000 USD to strengthen national capacity to detect and
prevent H5N1 Avian Influenza in Mauritania. The support will benefit the
Ministry for Rural Development and the Environment.

(c)  Following reports of rising food insecurity in the eastern region
of Hodh El Chargui, the national Food Security Commission has announced
plans to carry out a general distribution of 2300 tons of assorted
commodities in the area. A total of 100.000 people are to benefit from
the distribution. These actions are complementary to WFP activities in
Hodh El Chargui, which include school feeding, supplementary feeding,
food for work activities and food reserve constitution. Hodh El Chargui
is targeted under WFP Mauritania's PRRO and Country Programme.

(d)  A multilateral contribution amounting to $1,000,000 has been
directed to the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10359.
Another multilateral contribution of $500,000 has been directed to the
Country Programme 10209. This will allow WFP to purchase much needed
commodities for lean-season programming. WFP's operations in Mauritania
are under funded. Should no new contributions be confirmed to the PRRO
and the Country Programme, distributions will be affected in June and
through the lean season, when food aid needs are highest.

(e)  Urgent contributions are needed to avert shortages which will
seriously disrupt Country Programme implementation. Shortages for
activity 2 (nutrition) and 3 (rural development) amounting to 1,217 tons
are foreseen in the month of June. PRRO 10359 will face pipeline breaks
as soon as June should no new contributions be confirmed. There is a
shortfall of 11,224 tons of cereals to cover needs in 2006.

(f)  FEWS-NET is leading a food security assessment in the areas
bordering Senegal. WFP and the National Food Security Observatory will
participate. In coordination with UNICEF and FEWS-NET, WFP will also
provide logistical assistance to the Observatory's April vulnerability
survey.

(g)  WFP has signed a memorandum of understanding with UNICEF providing
for collaboration and pooling of resources at distribution sites. The
MOU will cover activities in the education and nutrition sectors. WFP
has also signed a memorandum of understanding with the French Red Cross
providing for collaboration in the HIV/AIDS Ambulatory Treatment Center
at Nouakchott. A total of 400 beneficiaries are targeted.

(h)  WFP and UNICEF Mauritania Country Directors participated in a joint
meeting in Dakar to strengthen the operational partnership between the
two agencies, especially in the area of nutrition.

(i)  In a report published on March 24, FEWS NET issued an alert for
Mauritania motivated by of the degradation of food security indicators
in the country. The lean season has started early in structurally
vulnerable areas of the country, such as the agro-pastoral area, the
Senegal River valley and the agricultural areas of the south of the two
Hodhs. As the situation is likely to deteriorate further in the coming
months, interventions are required.

(j)  Site selection is complete in all eight target regions for PRRO
10359. Commodity distributions are to start during the month of April.
WFP has initiated regional training workshops for counterpart and NGO
staff involved in PRRO implementation. Commodity deliveries are
scheduled to take place in April for the supplementary feeding activity
and the school feeding activity under the Country Programme.

(k)  Faced with an increase in the number of migrants illegally
attempting to reach the Canary Islands (Spain) from its territory, the
Government of Mauritania has adopted a national policy on migration to
deal with the phenomenon. With support from Spain, a transit center has
been built in Nouadhibou to accommodate illegal migrants from third
countries awaiting deportation.


(5) Niger

(a)  Nutritional activities under the Protracted Relief and Recovery
Operation (PRRO) include supplementary feeding for moderately
malnourished children and a protection ration for children in outpatient
treatment for severe or moderate malnutrition. This protection ration is
designed to ensure that the treatment ration for the malnourished child
is not shared with other children in the household.

(b)  WFP and UNICEF, together with NGO partners, will also implement a
blanket supplementary feeding activity in Tahoua, Zinder and Maradi- the
regions with the highest rates of malnutrition according to the results
of the CDC/UNICEF survey and in the most food insecure areas.

(c)  Preparations are ongoing for the implementation of the blanket
supplementary feeding and the activity will take place in three rounds
in June, July and August. It will target all children under three years
of age in the communes identified; the total number of children to be
reached is approximately 234,000. WFP and UNICEF are jointly supplying
the commodities for this operation and Field Level Agreements are being
signed with NGO partners for the implementation.

(d)  In April, WFP will dispatch around 800 tons of food to partners for
supplementary feeding, protection ration and food-for-work activities.
In February and March 2006, a total of 3,618 ton was distributed to
approximately 990,000 beneficiaries.

(e)  From 1 January through 26 March, 1,535 cases of meningitis have
been recorded, with 106 deaths as of 27 March 2006. The most affected
districts are Madarounfa and Aguie in Maradi region and Say in Tillaberi
region. WHO noted that the situation is especially worrying considering
the insufficient national stocks of the vaccine and medicine.

(f)  Madarounfa district is also facing a cholera outbreak with 19 cases
reported, with two deaths, as of 27 March 2006. Rates of admission at
MSF France's nutritional centers in Maradi continue to rise. 1,016
children were admitted during the week 13-19 March. This was an increase
of the previous two weeks when 727 children and 595 children were
admitted each week.

(g)  PRRO 10509.0- Strengthening the Means of Subsistence of Vulnerable
Populations and Targeted Assistance for Malnourished Children- began
this month and will last for 18 months, through September 2007. With a
total budget of 37.3 million US dollars, the operation will reach 2.9
million beneficiaries, over 70 percent of which are malnourished
children and their families, with 46,950 metric tonnes of food.

(h)  Contributions totalling 13.8 million US dollars have been received,
representing 37 percent of the PRRO requirements.  The current shortfall
is 23.5 million US dollars or 63 percent of the PRRO requirements.

(i)  The stock situation as of 31 March 2006 [the date of operational
closure of EMOP 10398.0], was 3,112 tons of food. These stocks will be
transferred to PRRO 10509.0. The Country Office has begun receiving a
total of 2,236 tons of sorghum purchased in Burkina Faso. The full
quantity should arrive in country by the end of the month.



(E) Southern Africa: (1) Angola (2) Lesotho (3) Malawi (4) Mozambique
(5) Namibia (6) Swaziland (7) Zambia (8) Zimbabwe

(1) Angola

(a)  WFP currently faces a shortfall in cereals and pulses, which will
result in ration cuts for many vulnerable Angolans in the coming
months.. At least 27,500 tons of food or USD 22 million are urgently
needed to allow planned food distributions to continue through December
2006.

(b)  Due to a pipeline shortfall, WFP has been forced to reduce cereal
distributions by 50 percent to some beneficiaries, mostly former Angolan
refugees who recently returned to the country, in addition to
beneficiaries of Food-for-Work projects.  No pulses will be distributed
to these beneficiaries until new pledges are received and shipments
arranged. However, full rations will continue for the most needy,
including patients of HIV/AIDS, TB, Pellagra and other medical
programmes.

(c)  WFP continues to monitor the drought situation in south western
Angola. A multi-sectoral mission recently reported that 1.6 million
people are affected in the provinces of Benguela, Huila, Kuanza Sul,
Kunene and Namibe, a number of whom will require food assistance until
the next harvest. The government is requesting a CFSAM to more
accurately assess the losses and the assistance required.


(2) Lesotho

(a)  During the reporting period (29 March- 4 April), WFP and
Cooperating Partners provided food to approximately 14,000 people.
Beneficiaries were participants in HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, mother and
childcare, orphans and other vulnerable children programmes, as well as
Food-for-Work (FFW) and Food-for-Assets (FFA) projects.

(b)  Crops, especially maize, are at flowering and grain filling stages
although they are still young and at risk of being damaged by frost
before maturing. Due to recent heavy rains and the improved agricultural
scenario, harvests are expected to be better than last year. However, at
some places crops were severely damaged by hailstorms, which may have a
permanent affect.


(3) Malawi

(a)  The Malawi Vulnerability Assessment Committee (MVAC) annual
assessments are scheduled to start in April. There are plans to have a
parallel nutrition survey by UNICEF and the Ministry of Health in the
areas sampled by the MVAC.

(b)  The supply of maize and other food has improved in most districts
throughout the country due to the harvesting of maize and other seasonal
vegetables.


(4) Mozambique

(a)  In Sabie (Maputo Province), localized flooding of agricultural
fields and loss of crops occurred due to the opening of floodgates on
several South African rivers. Field reports also indicate a significant
increase in the flow of water entering the Cahora Bassa dam, which is
already near capacity, raising concern over further flooding of the
Zambezi River, already above the alert level at Caia and Marromeu
(Sofala Province).

(b)  Harvesting is ongoing in most areas of the country with good
prospects in the majority of provinces.

(c)  A rapid food security and nutrition assessment was conducted in
Nampula and Cabo Delgado provinces by WFP and provincial authorities.
Preliminary results indicate the extended lean season, due to last
year's poor harvest and the late arrival of rains this year, combined
with poor access to health and nutrition services, has resulted in
localised deterioration of the nutritional status of some populations,
most notably in Nampula Province's northern coastal districts.
However, prospects for the ongoing harvest are generally good and will
improve household food insecurity. Malnutrition has reached levels of
concern in some areas of Nampula and the mission has recommended
targeted nutritional interventions focusing on children under the age of
five as well as pregnant and lactating women.


(5) Namibia

(a)  Preparations for the refugee Joint Assessment Mission (scheduled
for the last week of April) are ongoing.  The mission will assess the
nutritional status and livelihood of approximately 6,000 Angolan and
non-Angolan refugees/asylum seekers residing in Osire camp.

(b)  According to preliminary findings of a recent household income and
expenditure survey, poverty levels are declining due to a combination of
accelerated incomes for the poorest, and falling inequalities across the
board. Despite this decline, Namibia still ranks among the most unequal
countries in the world. Households with the lowest annual income spend
80 to 100 percent of their income on food consumption and are classified
as "severely poor", while the two percent of households with the highest
incomes spend a maximum of 40 percent on food. The northern regions of
Ohangwena and Okavango are the poorest, while Omaheke Region in eastern
Namibia and Kunene in the northwest have the highest population density
as well as "severe poverty".


(6) Swaziland

(a)  The National Disaster Task Force (NDTF) reported that the country's
major rivers and dams have filled to capacity as a result of recent
heavy rains. According to field reports, two large earth dams in the
Lowveld over flowed and burst.

(b)  According to the latest Agrometeorological Update, early-planted
maize crops at or near the drying stage are in good condition in most
parts of the country. However, they are at risk if the recent,
persistent rains continue to fall. Late planted crops, at the late
vegetative to cob-formation stages are also in good condition.


(7) Zambia

(a)  In March WFP Zambia distributed 15,000 tons of food to over 1
million people.  The Country Office is now finalizing the phase down
strategy for April and May.  Approximately 600,000 people will continue
to need assistance.

(b)  Heavy rains in localised parts of the county have hindered
distributions.  In certain districts roads have become water-logged and
WFP is now looking at using water transport.

(c)  The Southern Province has received above average rainfall this
season resulting in flooding in some districts, which has had a negative
effect on the harvest prospects of the affected districts.  Excessive
weeds, lack of inputs such as seed and fertilizer, use of recycled seeds
and relief maize for seed, and armyworms in isolated areas have also had
a negative impact on crop development.  Some communities are already
harvesting their crops prematurely either for consumption or to avoid
further damage to the crop due to excessive rains and floods.

(d)  The situation in the Southern Province is expected to slowly
improve by end of March/early April. With the continued rainfall, it is
hoped that even those crops that were planted late, will mature well.
Many other field crops including pumpkins, green beans and other green
foods are increasing. Income from the sale of green foods, either field
crops or wild vegetables, will also improve household food security.


(8) Zimbabwe

(a)  According to news reports, the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) has
recently announced that it will no longer sell maize meal directly from
its depots to individuals. This has raised concern amongst vulnerable
groups, who have relied on the GMB's subsidized rates.

(b)  WFP market price data indicates that hyper-inflation continues
unabated.  In March 2006, the price of maize was 18 times higher in
Harare than in the same month in 2005, and a staggering 35 times higher
in Bulawayo.

(c)  In April 2006, WFP plans to feed an estiamted 4 million people with
26,000 tons of food through the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) programme
and other targeted activities, providing half-rations of cereals and
pulses due to delayed arrival of food commodities and other pipeline
constraints. With the approaching harvest, food distributions to 3.6
million people, under the VGF programme, will be discontinued as of 30
April 2006. The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC)
will carry out a joint vulnerability assessment with stakeholders in May
2006. The ZimVAC findings will guide programmatic decisions through
identification of vulnerable areas, quantification of assistance
requirements and indicators to assist in vulnerable household selection.

(d)  Close to 900,000 beneficiaries supported through targeted
activities--school feeding, home based care, orphans and vulnerable
children, and urban feeding programmes-- will continue to receive
monthly food rations through the harvest period.



(F) Latin America and Caribbean: (1) Bolivia (2) Colombia (3) Cuba (4)
Ecuador (5) Guatemala (6) Haiti (7) Peru

(1) Bolivia

(a)  As of Wednesday, 5th of April, some 15,305 affected families
received 379 tons of WFP food aid in the Departments of Santa Cruz,
Beni, La Paz and Potosi.

(b)  A difficult management and financial crisis affects the national
airline of Bolivia. As a consequence, the airline's labor union holds
several protests requesting the government to nationalize the company
and protect 2,000 workers' employment. Among protest demonstrations, the
labor union took three international airports in the cities of La Paz,
Cochabamba and Santa Cruz last week using the airplanes to block the
landing runway.

(c)  On Tuesday 4 April, the inter department transport sector held a
national strike with road blockades and marches. In the city of La Paz,
more than 13 blockades were registered.

(d)  A blockade is registered in the Department of Tarija, southern
Bolivia. Due to the breakage of three gas pipelines, the Department of
Tarija lacks sufficient gas for power generation. As a consequence,
rationing of electricity, water and gas has affected the department for
more than three days now. In order to pressure the government for
solutions, a massive road blockade takes place near the Argentinean
border. Also, El Chaco region holds a six-day strike, asking for the
re-foundation of the national oil company in one of El Chaco cities and
the declaration of this territory as a new department, the tenth of
Bolivia.

(e)  During the reporting period (31 March to 05 April), under the
emergency operation IR-EMOP 10511.0, 39 tons of food was distributed to
more than 1,836 families in the Department of Santa Cruz and Potosi.

(f)  WFP is preparing an EMOP proposal to assist at least 9,000 families
for a period of 10 months in the flood affected departments. Assessment
missions are on going.


(2) Colombia

(a)  The UNHCR has warned of an imminent humanitarian emergency among
the people as armed groups have encroached on their land. In recent
reports, an estimated 1,700 people fled their homeland following the
murder of their leaders last week by armed groups, in the north-western
region of Choco.. Associations and authorities in the area are calling
for assistance from the Colombian government and the international
community.


(3) Cuba

(a)  Drought persists in the eastern provinces including the Province of
Camaguey.

(b)  Distribution under Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10423.0 continued
during the reporting period (31 March-05 April). An estimated 2,077 tons
of food were delivered in Santiago de Cuba, Granma province, and
distribution is on going in Guantanamo, in Camaguey and the 5 Eastern
provinces to assist 773,000 people. Procurement of 233 tons of vegetable
oil and 368 tons of beans through the regional office has just been
requested to cover urgent needs for one month.

(c)  EMOP 10423.0 is resourced at 20 percent and urgently needs US$
2,953,800 to meet outstanding requirements.


(4) Ecuador

(a)  During the reporting period (31 March -05 April), floods and
landslides in the provinces of Manabi, Los Rios, Guayas and El Oro were
reported. An estimated 52,000 flood affected in the Provinces of Guayas,
El Oro, Manabi, Esmeraldas, and Los Rios are in urgent need of
humanitarian assistance. Several affected families are living in
temporary shelters. Due to protests, social tension and political
instability in the country, the Government assistance to flood victims
is not sufficient. According to the weather forecast, heavy rains in the
Ecuadorian coast will continue until May.

(b)  Under the Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10381.0, WFP has distributed
5,868 emergency food rations to 11,432 beneficiaries since early March.
A WFP Team continues to assess affected areas in the Provinces of Los
Rios and Guayas.

(c)  Ecuador EMOP 10381.0 has received a contribution of US $357,000 to
continue its operations. In order to complete the operation there is a
need of funding for US $399,506.


(5) Guatemala

(a)  On Friday 31 March, an interagency meeting was held with the
participation of WFP, FAO, UNICEF, Mesoamerica Famine Early Warning
System (MFEWS), and the Secretariat of Food and Nutritional Security
(GOG) to discuss EFSA findings.

(b)  WFP Cooperating Partners have agreed with the new Food-for-Action
implementation. In the Eastern part of the country, the coordination
activities have started with the local and international NGO's, and the
government.

(c)  During coordination meeting for the Joint UN program (FAO/
UNDP/ILO/WFP) held on 3 April, it was agreed that WFP would continue to
provide food assistance to 3,000 families living in temporary shelters
in the Departments of Solola and San Marcos.

(d)  During the period (27 - 31 March), a total of 4,655 families were
provided 397 tons of food in Departments of Escuintla, Jutiapa and
Chimaltenango.

(e)  A total of 915 tons of food was delivered to the Departments of
Chimaltenango, Quiche, Huhuetenango, Jutiapa and San Marcos. A total of
206 tons was repaid by the Emergency Operation (EMOP) 10497 to the
Protracted Recovery and Relief Operation (PRRO) 10212.

(f)  The amount resourced has increased to US$ 8,579,334 or 60.9% of the
appealed made to the international community last October 2005. A new
US$ 438,597 contribution has been confirmed.


(6) Haiti

(a)  The general overall situation in Port-au-Prince (PaP) as well as in
the rest of the country remained relatively calm. However, increasing
tension in Gonaives has been noted during the reporting period (31
March-05 April). A number of kidnappings continued to be reported (up to
45 cases by April 2). In Petionvile, 28 human skulls were found, the
case is under investigation, and eleven murders were reported by Haitian
National Police (HNP). The improvement in the general security situation
in the North-West area of PaP has led to increase of public transport
and the opening of markets in Cite Soleil. UN humanitarian agencies
started planning projects to be implemented in these areas.

(b)  On March 29th, travel advisory was issued to all UN staff
conducting duty operations in Yellow area zone in PaP (mainly Carrefour,
Martissant, Grand Ravine, Bolosse, Belair, Poste Marchand, downtown
area, etc). A special mandatory procedure was issued with the aim to
closely monitor staff movement with the coordination of
MINUSTAH-UNDSS-AGENCIES.

(c)  During the reporting period, a total of 510 tons of food were
delivered to health centres and schools (PRRO and CP) in the West, North
and North-East departments and in Port-au-Prince.

(d)  Under the Protracted Relief and Recovery Operation (PRRO) 10382.0,
a total of 46,830 tons and US$ 40 million is required for the two year
operation. The operation needs 23,375 tons to meet project
requirements.. By the end of January, the PRRO had received US$ 15
million from directed multilateral and multilateral contributions.
However, it is facing a pipeline break of Corn Soya Blend. Consequently,
contributions are critically needed to overcome these shortages.

(e)  WFP is chairing a UN task force on Cite Soleil to discuss a
possible joint evaluation mission on site and development of a coherent
UN joint strategy to the poor and insecure neighborhood of Port au
Prince.

(f)  WFP continues to participate in the taskforce aiming at building a
Post Electoral Stabilization Strategy, set up by the UN Country Team.


(7) Peru

(a)  Ubinas volcano in the Department of Moquegua may erupt this year.
An increase in seismic activity has been detected through a seismograph.
The periods of frequency of its eruptions are of 10, 15 and 20 years.
Its last eruption took place in 1969 and it is possible that a similar
phenomenon may occur this year.

Note: All tonnage figures in this report refer to metric tons


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