Following generally below-average rainfall through late October, harvest prospects are uncertain.
As a result of the persistent armed clashes, some 184 000 internally displaced persons from the north, northwest, and central regions are currently living in camps in other parts of the country. WFP, which has expressed concern about the continuing increase in the number of IDPs, continues to provide food assistance to them, in addition to more than 22 000 Sierra Leonean refugees still in the country. While access has improved for those living in areas under Government control, the situation remains uncertain for those in contested areas where insecurity and violence continue to prevent provision of humanitarian assistance.
Recent reports indicate that 40 000 Liberians have fled to Sierra Leone, 117 000 to Guinea and some 75 000 to Côte d’Ivoire.