VZCZCXRO4404
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0225 1351622
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141622Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1909
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE UNCLAS FREETOWN 000225 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/FO, AF/W, F 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS:          
SUBJECT: POST REQUESTS FOOD AID FOR SIERRA LEONE 
 
REF: A. STATE 47539 
      B. MOSS/PERRY TELECON 05/05/08 
      C. DOUGHERTY/PERRY E-MAIL 05/06/08 
 
 1. Sierra Leone is currently sitting at the bottom of the 
United Nations' Human Development Index and facing a severe 
food crisis as the price of its primary staple - rice - 
continues to rise on the world market. 
 
 2. According to calculations by the Mission team in 
conjunction with other stakeholders, the shortfall and costs 
are: 
 
Shortfall: 
-------------- 
200,000 metric 
tons of rice 
 
Cost (12 mos.): 
--------------- 
$225,250,000 
 
Post Request: 
-------------- 
$50-75 million 
 
 3. In light of recent announcements by the President of 
nearly $5 billion in funding to ameliorate the global food 
crisis over the next two fiscal years, post requests 
immediate provision of $50-75 million in aid to send a 
calming signal to the population, and assist in maintaining 
peace and security. An announcement of supplemental USG food 
aid would help support the Government of Sierra Leone's 
efforts toward stabilization in a fragile state. Post would 
use existing mechanisms to distribute any additional aid 
provided via emergency funding. 
PERRY