An upsurge in fighting in Mali is worsening food shortages in the West African country.

The UN says in the eastern Menaka region 2500 people are facing starvation.

200,000 children could starve to death across Mali by the year-end, unless aid reaches them, say the UN – Armed groups linked to Al Qaeda have stepped up their attacks in recent months in the north and east.

Separatist fighters in the north have also resumed fighting, after eight years of relative peace.

The trouble’s fueled by the withdrawal of UN peacekeepers, who’ve been ordered to leave by Mali’s junta.

The UN says mass displacement and restricted humanitarian access are also worsening food shortages.

Already almost a quarter of Mali’s population suffers food insecurity.

The UN’s humanitarian response plan for Mali has only been 1/5 funded as of September.

Aljazeera.