ADDIS ABABA, May 24 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) said it is rolling out comprehensive, systemic measures to prevent further misuse of life-saving aid in response to the discovery of widespread diversion of humanitarian food assistance in Ethiopia last month.
In a statement issued late Tuesday, the WFP said it immediately began an investigation, and it is enhancing safeguards and controls to ensure that necessary assistance reaches the most vulnerable women, men and children.
The WFP paused food distributions in Ethiopia's Tigray Region last month, claiming that it found evidence of significant food aid sales in local markets.
"WFP has zero tolerance for theft or diversion that prevents critical food from reaching the hungry families who need it to survive," the statement quoted WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain as saying.
According to the executive director, those found responsible must be held accountable. "We are committed to doing everything it takes to guarantee that food assistance benefits the people who need it most," McCain added.
The WFP said it has put in place a comprehensive plan which will be enacted across all WFP operations in Ethiopia to prevent further diversion.
It also said it will work closely with Ethiopian regional and national authorities, and with all partners, to implement needed reforms so that urgent food assistance can resume in Tigray and support intended beneficiaries nationwide.
More than 20 million people are in dire need of humanitarian food assistance in Ethiopia in 2023, as communities are reeling from the impact of prolonged conflict and drought, the statement said. ■
