By Jennifer Acheng
About 23 people comprising 12 children and 11 elderly have so far reportedly succumbed to starvation in Kotidany village, Chamkok sub-county, Abim district in a space of two weeks.

This follows an executive order issued by President Yoweri Museveni banning the commercial charcoal business.
In 2011-2012, locals from the two districts of Abim and Kotido settled in Kotidany to venture into Agriculture but later switched to commercial charcoal burning as the most reliable source of income.
However, after the presidential directive three weeks back, many of them have been left stranded with little or no source of livelihood.
Anumber of them have since resorted to eating wild foods while the vulnerable ones like the elderly and children are starving and even dyeing.
Alice Akojo a 30year old woman who lost her 5 year old child to starvation says she used to earn about 18,000-20,000 shillings from charcoal trade, but after the ban she couldn’t afford to buy food. Akojo says even her small crop garden dried up, leaving them without food.
Cue//:Akojo Nga……..
Cecelia Lokure, a mother of 5 and a widow, with severely malnourished children says after the charcoal trade ban, she is left with nothing to do other than wait for their deaths
Cue//Lokure eng………
Others who have since died of suspected starvation related complications have been identified by the local leaders and relatives as Longan Simon, 40 years, Achor Lokolimong 3, Mario Okello 4, Lodipa Longuka Kori 40, Lometo Akorio 5, Nawot Primina3, Lopera Simon 58, among others
Marino Otuu Aballa, the Chamkok LC3 Chairperson says, the most affected group is the elderly and children below 6 years of age. He says he is working hand in hand with the district leaders to rescue the situation.
Cue//: Marino eng……..