Bangui (Fides Service) - The Central African Republic, disrupted by months of bloody civil war, is now threatened by starvation. United Nations experts warn that seed is needed for the next harvest to prevent a disastrous food shortage. Seed comes in fact mainly from areas which are under rebel control. Fides Service asked a Capuchin missionary who works in Central Africa if the situation is really so critical. "The alarm is mid to long term. In fact the main food in this country is manioc, which does not need seed for the next harvest, and millet has already been harvested. However unless peace is re-established there could be a problem of food shortage in the near future. Many subsistence farmers have fled their land because of the violence and because the rainy season is about to begin. Unless crops are cultivated in a few months the situation will be critical. Much of the country is in the hands of the rebel groups which continue to sack and loot and harass civilians and buildings. Just recently a cotton factory was burned down. The destruction of the country's economic structures jeopardises the future. The only positive note is the visit to Central Africa by President Deby of Chad who is accused of supporting the Central African rebels. Everyone hopes the visit will have positive results". (Fides Service 18/2/2003 EM lines 13 Words: 217)