The World Food Programme (WFP), which is the United Nations Agency responsible for the emergency feeding operation of the UN, yesterday disbursed over 175 metric tons of rice and other food items, to 818 Senegalese refugees from Casamance, currently residing in Foni Bullock, in the Western Region of The Gambia.

The assistance was aimed at preventing hunger and malnutrition on refugees as well as to prevent the deterioration of food security among the host communities. The donation was provided by the Japanese government to the tune of US$100,000.

Speaking at the occasion Akihiro Takazawa, First Secretary at the Japanese Embassy in Dakar, expressed delight at the WFP, United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), The Gambia Red Cross Society and the host communities. “I am happy that money has been put into good use. It is also very important to register with UNHCR,” he stated.

Malcolm Robert Duthie, WFP representative in The Gambia said Japan is a major contributor to the WFP humanitarian efforts all over the world, including The Gambia.  He added that the WFP is working with the UNHCR and The Gambia Red Cross Society, to ensure that the plight of refugees is addressed. Mr Duthie thanked the community of Bullock, the UNHCR and The Gambia Red Cross for the services they render to the community.

Sekou K Saho, UNHCR representative, said that they have a special committee in Bullock that is responsible for the coordination of the activities of refugees in the village, which he said is geared towards addressing there needs. 

Musa Colley, President of the refugees community in Bullock appealed to the WFP, UNHCR and their partners to increase the food quantity given to the refugees. He lamented that they also need a school and learning materials for their school children and mattresses. 

Modou Lamin Colley, a native of Bullock, also expressed similar sentiments and appealed to the WFP, UNHCR and their partners to assist them with water supply in the village. He highlighted that water is a problem in the village and the number of refugees from Casamance is increasing. Ansumana Bojang the Alkalo of Bullock thanked WFP, UNHCR, The Gambia Red Cross and community members for their support.