Cablegate: Post Requests Food Aid for Sierra Leone

VZCZCXRO4404
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0225 1351622
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141622Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1909
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

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

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