The Saudi-led blockade of ports into Yemen “is limiting supplies of fuel, food and medicines,” said a senior UN official in the country. “The lives of millions of people, including 8.4 million Yemenis who are a step away from famine, hinge on our ability to continue our operations and to provide health, safe water, food, shelter and nutrition support.” The statement by humanitarian coordinator Jamie McGoldrick follows an assessment by the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) that there is a credible risk of famine in 2018 in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria.
McGoldrick said 7 million people a day receive food in Yemen through humantarian aid. He urged the lifting of restrictions on Red Sea ports and the airport in Sanaa, the capital. A coalition led by Saudi Arabia blockaded Yemen in October to cut off supplies to a rebel faction. Faced by international pressure, the coalition allowed entry of some humanitarian aid beginning in late November, said Al Jazerra.
In an alert, FEWS NET estimated 76 million people in 45 countries will need emergency food assistance in the new year, little changed from the unprecedented needs of this year. Armed conflict will be the major cause of food security emergencies in seven African countries, including Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen, it said. “In parts of the Horn of Africa, a severe drought during the past 18 months has decimated livestock herds and sharply reduced crop production, particularly in Somalia and southeastern Ethiopia. Forecasts also indicate that below-average rainfall is likely during the spring 2018 rainy season, in part due to the ongoing La Niña.”