No more free lunch - World Food Program to scale back

UNCLAS LUSAKA 000977 DEPT FOR PRM/AFR MARY LANGE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF ZA AO SUBJECT: No more free lunch - World Food Program to scale back feeding programs for Angolans in Zambia REF: Lusaka 934 ¶1. The Zambia Daily Mail, a government newspaper, reported on 30 September 2008 that the World Food Program (WFP) will "stop feeding refugees in Zambia." Though erroneous, this story contains a kernel of truth. EmbOff has learned that WFP and UNHCR have a new feeding plan for Angolan refugees in Maheba and Mayukwayukwa settlements. The new plan was put in place after WFP and UNHCR conducted a joint vulnerability assessment in the two settlements in July 2008. Through year-end, WFP will gradually wean 5,200 refugees in Meheba and Mayukwayukwa settlements off food assistance. WFP states they can provide full rations to remaining 2,300 "vulnerable" Angolans through 31 December. WFP will need new funding to feed this population in CY09 (reftel). ¶2. Comment: While rife with inaccuracies about WFP plans, this article purports to reflect the statements of Susan Sikaneta, the Permanent Secretary of the Zambian Ministry of Home Affairs, made during UNHCR Executive Committee meetings. The article claims Sikaneta referred to "a protracted refugee situation" and reported that the Zambian Government (GRZ) would be "compelled to take desperate measures" to feed refugees. If Sikaneta made these statements, Post believes they reflect the GRZ's growing exasperation with refugees who are unwilling to return home. KOPLOVSKY