Famine Threatens Burkina Faso

A two-year drought is threatening 11 provinces with famine in this West African desert country, forcing the emergency importation of 15,000 tons of food aid.

Government spokesman Tertus Zongo said Friday the imports would add to an emergency stock of another 15,000 tons to avoid hunger.

Zongo said much of about 9,000 tons of food aid distributed since May ended up in the hands of merchants who sold it across the border in Mali for huge profits.