“Up to half the food aid intended for the millions of hungry people in Somalia is being diverted to corrupt contractors, radical Islamic militants, and local UN workers, according to a UN Security Council report. The report blames the problem on improper food distribution by the UN World Food Program in the African nation, which has been plagued by fighting and humanitarian suffering for nearly two decades, according to a UN diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity. It calls on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to authorize an independent investigation of the Rome-based food agency’s operation in Somalia. Because of Somalia’s instability, transporters must truck food through roadblocks manned by an array of militias, insurgents, and bandits. Kidnappings and executions are common, and the insecurity makes it difficult for senior UN officials to travel to the country to check on procedures.” (03/11/10)