Rebel violence forces halt of food aid

N'DJAMENA, Chad, May 8 (UPI) -- A surge in rebel violence in the volatile east of Chad has forced the U.N. World Food Program to suspend its food distribution in the region.

Calling the suspension a temporary measure, officials from the WFP called for the halt, citing a growing instability in eastern Chad. WFP officials said that there are currently sufficient food rations but that the suspension puts as many as 22,000 Sudanese refugees in the region at risk, the United Nations reported.

According to a U.N. news release, the order to suspend work came "after rebel activities were reported in the region around the Goz-Amir camp where the refugees are sheltered."

The rebel activity has also prompted the WFP to relocate some of its staff to safer areas during the food suspension.