UN chief demands action on world food crisis

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on the international community to find a solution to the global food crisis, saying sharply rising prices could pose a threat to the stability of developing nations, particularly in Africa.

Food prices have risen about 40% worldwide, and the strain has caused riots in countries like Cameroon and Burkina Faso, which is struggling to contain the skyrocketing cost of rice, sugar and cooking oil.

Mr Ban said the rising prices are “a worrisome situation and pose a threat to countries in Africa”.

He spoke on arrival late last night in Ghana’s capital, Accra, ahead of a five-day UN conference on trade and development that starts later today.

Mr Ban is expected to meet Ghana’s President John Kufuor today. He said the two would “discuss regional issues involving the crises in Zimbabwe, Darfur and Kenya”.

Mr Ban’s predecessor, former UN chief Kofi Annan, urged African leaders on Saturday to step in to help resolve the situation in Zimbabwe, which is still awaiting results of a March 29 presidential ballot that opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai claims he won outright. Mr Tsvangirai’s supporters say the long delay in reporting results is part of a fraud plot.