POST REQUESTS FOOD AID FOR SIERRA LEONE

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000225 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, F E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID PREL EAGR ABUD SL SUBJECT: POST REQUESTS FOOD AID FOR SIERRA LEONE REF: A. STATE 47539 ¶B. MOSS/PERRY TELECON 05/05/08 ¶C. DOUGHERTY/PERRY E-MAIL 05/06/08 ¶1. Sierra Leone is currently sitting at the bottom of the United Nations' Human Development Index and facing a severe food crisis as the price of its primary staple - rice - continues to rise on the world market. ¶2. According to calculations by the Mission team in conjunction with other stakeholders, the shortfall and costs are: Shortfall: -------------- 200,000 metric tons of rice Cost (12 mos.): -------------- $225,250,000 Post Request: -------------- $50-75 million ¶3. In light of recent announcements by the President of nearly $5 billion in funding to ameliorate the global food crisis over the next two fiscal years, post requests immediate provision of $50-75 million in aid to send a calming signal to the population, and assist in maintaining peace and security. An announcement of supplemental USG food aid would help support the Government of Sierra Leone's efforts toward stabilization in a fragile state. Post would use existing mechanisms to distribute any additional aid provided via emergency funding. PERRY