Darfur's aid lifeline in danger - The Christian Science Monitor

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Darfur's aid lifeline in danger
Bandits from all factions are increasingly targeting relief convoys and aid workers in Sudan's conflict.
By Scott Baldauf | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
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"AL-FASHER, SUDAN - – Deteriorating security conditions in Darfur – a vast region of Sudan that is equal in size to France – are endangering the largest humanitarian aid operation in the world.

Today, aid convoys have become almost daily targets, with car jackings, armed robbery, and occasional shoot outs. In some cases, aid workers have been forced to abandon their operations in far-flung camps; in other cases, they have been forced to travel by helicopter, increasing the cost of bringing crucial food, shelter, and medical assistance to nearly 4 million people.

Sudan has agreed in principle to allow in UN peacekeeping forces, but the troops are not expected to arrive until next year.

"We can't distribute food if we're being shot at, basically, but when you're feeding millions of people, failure is not an option and security is deteriorating," says Simon Crittle, a spokesman for the World Food Program. "When you know who the rebels are, and who the government is, you can negotiate with them to get a food convoy through on a certain date. But when you don't know who's who, anyone can pull a gun and demand money, it makes it that much more dangerous."

SNIP.........."

http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0611/p01s04-woaf.html

[IndyOp]

1. Next year... A horror. (n/t)