UN food aid chief fears for Africa, Mideast amid new crises

The head of the UN's food aid agency warned of "absolute devastation" in Africa and parts of the Middle East in coming months if wealthier nations grappling with an economic downturn linked to the new coronavirus don't step up aid efforts in countries in need.

David Beasley, head of the World Food Program, told The Associated Press that the convergence of several crises could further destabilize conflict-scarred regions.

"If the corona virus continues to create panic around the world, and there is an economic downturn, I have been telling the European leaders, and leaders around the world, you don't have enough money set aside to address the needs in Africa, East Africa, West Africa, in the Middle East right now," Beasley said during an interview in Jordan late Wednesday, after a visit to Syria.

"If there is an economic downturn, on top of the economic downturn that exists now in Syria and Lebanon, it absolutely could be a catastrophe," he said.

"I mean absolute devastation. I am very concerned about what would happen in the next six months. You could see destabilisation unlike any time period, maybe in my lifetime."