SUDAN UN Resident Coordinator’s Support Office And UNMIS Humanitarian Early Recovery & Reintegration Joint Weekly Report 10-18 October, 2009 The Three Transitional Areas ABYEI RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT Situation Analysis: Abyei area remains calm. Underlying tensions continue regarding PCA ruling; particularly among the among Misseriya hard-liners, refuting the PCA ruling and the presence of Border Demarcation Teams [BDTs] in the area. The Abyei Administration and UN are monitoring the situation on the ground. More effort is been put in peace and reconciliation activities and planning in support of security during approaching migration season. Post the 6 Presidential Decrees on administrative status of Abyei area, including up-grading of Civil Administrator and his Deputy to Governor/ Deputy Governor, and Department Secretaries to Ministries, more clarity is required on effect and practical implementation of these reforms. One of these measures is a change in the Administrative subdivision of the area, creating standard admin. Units- Counties [3; previously non- existing], Payams [9; current subdivision is in 5 SPLM- created Payams, covering an area which is not trespassing Alaal- approx. 30 Km North- West of Abyei town; areas further north will therefore be included in the new subdivision] and Boumas [27]. This is the Administrative structure used in southern Sudan. Reconciliation/ peaceful coexistence: Abyei Administration continues coordination for the Inter- Sate Governors’ Summit (Abyei, Southern Kordofan, Warrab, Unity and Northern Bahr el Ghazal); supported by UNMIS- CAD. Abyei Governor intents to hold a 2- States meeting [Abyei- Southern Kordofan], before hosting the 5- Sates Summit; preparations are under way to set a meeting with Southern Kordofan Governor. Population Movement: Migration: Miysseria migration towards Abyei area has commenced however, no entry into Abyei area has been reported as yet. Return-process: Efforts continue at sector level to improve: - Water and Sanitation: Access to Clean Water and Sanitation. Boreholes and water points are needed to support the humanitarian needs of returning populations and the seasonal migration. Sites will be identified jointly by UNICEF and the Department of Infrastructure and Facilities. The UN will engage government at all levels in reducing delays and preventing efforts to construction the needed water points. Plans to complete family latrines, clean-up the Abyei hospital and the training of hygiene promoters on water chlorination and the maintenance of water pumps should be implemented. - Health: Improve Access to Primary Health Care (PHC) and Nutrition Services, Prevent Epidemics. Strengthen existing sites (clinics), mobile clinics and nutrition services to remote areas. WHO to continue to build the capacity of MoH to implement the components of the Integrated PHC package, with special attention to Mother and Child Health. Ensure a well-performing and stable Surveillance System for Epidemics in Abyei to enhance targeted response, increase availability of data for planning; provide government with an Early Warning System for crisis prevention/ response. - Food Assistance: Meet Food Security Needs of Returning Populations and Seasonal Migrations. WFP will continue to deliver 3-month food rations in centralized locations to support returning populations and to avoid situations that may encourage resettlement. In support of the children of nomadic populations, food for education programmes that accompany migrating groups will continue. WFP main plan is to gradually shift from Food Assistance to Food Recovery; promoting small projects that can gradually re- build population resilience and support general effort to increase livelihoods in Abyei area. This includes continued support for WFP and FAO agricultural activities: community farming through the distribution of irrigation pumps, seeds
and tools; irrigation programmes; livelihoods activities; fisheries through the distribution of fish nets; and small livestock- keeping projects (including vaccination activities for nomadic cattle). - Infrastructure and Basic Services: Continue Current/Existing Core Infrastructure and Basic Services Projects. Implement on- going projects to support communities that are cut-off due to rainy season (including the provision of river boats) .UNDP to continue to support the JIPUs (rehabilitation of Police stations in Abyei town and Agok town), construct new government buildings (e.g. Offices of the Abyei Administration) and upgrade Abyei market. Future plans in infrastructures would have to target interventions that expand livelihoods opportunities and economic development, such as women or 'skills development' centres, major interventions in the market area and improved infrastructures for rural community development. - Education: Ensure that the children of returnees and nomadic populations have access to Quality Education: This implies continued support for teachers and PTA training; implementation of WFP’s Food for Education; the provision of educational material by UNICEF and water-sanitation programmes for nomadic schools. - Protection: Mainstream protection components in all UNCT activities: emphasising on activities that build the capacity of Department of Social Welfare in Child Protection and positive discrimination in projects, especially those that provide female heads of households with access to livelihoods. Continue joint efforts between UNMIS-PoC/ HR, UNICEF- CP and UNDP-RoL to train the JIPUs and improve government capacity to prevent violence, to protect civilians and to promote and respect human rights. Returnee registration: On Oct. 15, RCO/RRR and IOM met with the SSRRC/ HAC to present the Tracking and Monitoring proposed modality. - To strengthen the current registration modality, IOM will train Field Monitors in rural areas, who will register new arrivals and monitor their reintegration. - In addition WFP is looking into establishing a new system to re- register IDPs, who were effected by the multiple displacements during the last 15 months. Basically to avoid the usage of Food Rations Cards in areas different of the initial registration. Reception Mechanism for Returnees: RRR/RCSO is advocating for an all representative Reception Committees at 'Bouma' level, to receive, and monitor reintegration of returnees in final areas of destination, Migration and peaceful coexistence. UNCT and partners are to identify possible location for the Distribution Centres, look into the composition of committees and their role. - Agency are to build committees capacity, according to their respective Return mandates. IOM in collaboration with RRR/RCO, in coordination with local authorities, will identify Field Monitors to be trained in Tracking and Monitoring of returnees. Erratum: last week The Mysseria traditional leader Amir Mukhtar was present at the conference; HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Health and Nutrition- WHO started coordination to implement CHF- funded proposal to increase access to Primary Health for nomads and returnees. GOAL has commenced the procurement for vehicles and equipment for 2 mobile clinics. WHO will train and build the capacity of MOH in different Primary Health Care sectors. Health partners followed-up need of vaccines, which is affecting EPI operations for the past 3 weeks in Abyei. Transport of vaccines from Kadugli- Muglad was delayed, but the cargo has reached Muglad and expected in Abyei early next week. UNMIS flights will in future delivery vaccines in order to ensure continued essential supplies. Funds to put in place a Surveillance System in Abyei have been secured and programme will start the beginning of November. During reporting period International Health Alliance [IHA] conducted HIV/ AIDS awareness and prevention training- Mother to Child Transmission [MTCT]. This is the first training of its kind conducted in the area, IHA reported that it was well received by the beneficiaries both in number of attendees their level of interaction. Food Security; on the 13th of October WFP concluded the Crops Assessment in Abyei. The assessment covered more than 20 rural locations, affirming that priority are for families who returned to villages North of the River Kier/ Bahr el Arab which are secure and deliver of basic services, particularly health, education, and shelter. Approximately 20,000 IDPs are still living South of the River Kiir/ Bahr el Arab, mainly because of perceived insecurity and fragile stability in the area; majority of people still rely on food aid and crop failure due to relatively poor rainfall this season, which might provide low harvest. Shelter and NFIs- On the 16th of October RCO/RRR met with Unity state based INGO- NPA, who reported that the availability of 2000 NFI kits (plastic sheeting, mosquito nets, sleeping mats, jerry cans and fishing equipments) a
2
Norwegian donation. - RCO/ RRR requested that the items to be distributed to local vulnerable population, including IDPs, by the end of rainy season (November) in response to damages due to the heavy rains. - Stock items are being transport to Abyei town; NPA will start distributions by mid November. The INGO is also evaluating possibility of establishing permanent presence in Abyei, with programs targeting shelter and livelihoods activity. Protection: In a meeting with Department of Social Services- Social Welfare Directorate, requested the International community in Abyei to take charge both financially and as ‘care takers’ of protection. SECURITY ISSUES JIPU: The conversion of JIPUs to Abyei Police Force remains a crucial priority, particularly the terms governing handing-over of assets and benefiting from donors/ Agencies’ support, including training and capacity building. UPCOMING EVENT Visit of RRR Chief. Oct. 20 Ayei Coordination meeting. BLUE NILE STATE RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT Blue Nile State: Mission: An Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) for the CPA, was in the Blue Nile on 14th and 15th October. The composition of the delegation which was headed by the Netherlands Ambassador, where US, British and Italy embassies, European Union, IGAD and Africa Unions, UNMS Civil affairs, government and SPLM representatives, had several discussions with government officials, community leaders in north and South Blue Nile on issues related to the peace, integration of civil services and public consultation in Blue Nile. They were briefed by the agencies and NGOs on the opportunities and challenges regarding the development cooperation in Blue Nile. Humanitarian Actor: PACT- Sudan a new NGO operating in Blue Nile. PACT Sudan is leading a coalition of local and international partners and through the Three Areas Peace Fund, will work on supporting sustainable and reconciliation as bases for recovery and development. SECURITY ISSUES Reconciliation/ peaceful coexistence: Between 15- 17 October a conference was held in Kurmuk under the auspices of SPLM. The conference which was attended by the Wali of Blue Nile State, representatives from South Sudan government, NCP other political leaders and around 500 Community leaders from the Blue Nile State. They discussed the challenges facing the Public consultation in Blue Nile State. SOUTHERN KORDOFAN RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT October Monthly Coordination Meeting (MCM): On 13 October meeting, focused on ways to prioritize geographic areas for State Strategic Objectives for Development. After the ‘Five plus Five’ Committee presentation on revised ‘State Strategic Objectives for Development,’ Sector Leads (5 State Ministries + UN) presented their geographical prioritization and prioritized projects based on the degree of humanitarian needs on the ground. RCSO/HERR presented areas priorities to be conflicts preventions and the integration of civil services, and suggested a way to coordinate humanitarian actions along the areas prioritized by the two pillars. Five plus Five Committee Meetings: The committee met on 15 October to discuss State Strategic Objectives for Development. During the meeting eight localities were prioritized with specific implementing timeframe set by Sectors to be: 3, 6, and 18 month. RCSO/HERR will receive Sectors’ inputs on projects by 21 October for compilation. A of the complied projects are scheduled to be reviewed on the 27 October in Khartoum. The State Government is organizing a meeting to liaising with the Donor’s focal point. UNMIS QIPs: On 11 October the QIP Committee approved 7 QIPs projects and that 8 to be approved upon the submission of required documents. HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Floods: On the 14 October RCSO/HERR supported Civil Defense Office to call for Flood Taskforce Meeting. The meeting was, attended by UN Agencies (WFP, FAO, WHO), UNMIS (Police, CIMIC), State Ministry of Agriculture HAC/SRRC, and NGOs (Medair and Sudanese Red Crescent). RCSO/HERR reported that the response to earlier damages in Lagawa as a result of the heavy rains is no longer valid and Lagawa-based INGO observed that the affected families had managed the crises.
3
The taskforce team consensus was that the humanitarian assistance is no longer required however, common facilities damaged by heavy rains in Lagawa town, such as hand pumps and latrines, will be supported by UNICEF and WES accompanied by health awareness campaign to be launched as a package. The task force will meet biweekly to discuss the preventive measures in Kadugli town, such as clearing drainages and river beds, using WFP’s ‘Food for Work,’ the set-up of flood gauges with possible cooperation of UNMIS CIMIC, and CDO’s awareness education on rules and regulations on tree cutting and grass burning with the support of UNMIS Police. The preventive measures to expanding to include other flood-prone areas through Flood Mapping Team’s training of trainers. UPCOMING EVENTS UNST Final Five plus Five meeting. KASSALA AND GEDAREF RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT During 12 – 15 October 2009 donor's mission visited Kassala State, the delegates were from USA, UK, Japan, Norway, Netherlands and Finland. The objectives of the donor’s mission; as the major funders to the UNHCR programmes in East Sudan; were to follow up on how funds provided has been utilized and identify future areas of support with especially focus on refugees self reliance and support to host communities within the development programmes. Governance: On 15th October UNMIS Electoral Advisor arrived in Kassala to assess the situation and pave the way for the UNMIS Electoral Team which will be deployed to Kassala by Mid November. RED SEA STATE RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT On 12th, 13th October, EC consultant conducted two days workshop on fisheries management and policies. The workshop was targeting fisheries working group: fisheries administration, marine science institute and fisheries research Centre. The workshop main features: A collective vision for management of the fisheries sector, establish fishery forum group and working group. Increased profile and better collaboration and donor support and establishment of a viable data collection system that engages state institutions and various stakeholders for assessing the fishery. UNDP/TRMAP, finalized 5 days assessment mission for required needs of the state information centers at ministries level as well as the state HQ centre. The outcome indicates the need for establishing LAN network as well as providing instructional capacity, hardware provision and identification of technical staff ( 45 have been identified). DARFUR North (ND) and South (SD) RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund (DCPSF): The DCPSF Steering Committee approved approximately USD 5 million for the 2009 Call for Proposals. Two national organisations out of the five successful applicants. DCPSF Small Grants Programme is the commenced in Darfur, with Justice Africa as Programme Manager. The programme is to engage with selected CSOs/CBOs across the three states of Darfur (45 organisations in total). The programme provide training on peace building, proposal writing, and project management, as well as the allocation of small grants for peace building projects. Justice Africa is started the training. From October 10-12: members of the DCPSF Steering Committee visited DCPSF partner in El Geneina, West Darfur. War Child Canada, is implementing a DCPSF funded project focusing on the role of youth in peace building and community development. UN-HABITAT: Sakali Six housing unit’s are at the final stage Baba School class rooms Project: The construction work is going on, fixing of the roof is currently a major activity. Sakali School class rooms and Clinic Project: The project implementation agreement has been signed between HABITAT and State Ministry of Physical Planning and Public Utilities (SMPPPU), the actual implementation of the project is expected to start in one week’s time. The project is aiming to train 120 participants from Nyala and Sakali Area in Stabilized Soil Blocks (SSB) production and construction of school class rooms and clinic facility. South Darfur: Food Security & Livelihood (Productive Sectors): Crop Production:
4
Millet, Sorghum, and groundnut are predicated to give a good yield. The area cultivated by Groundnuts is larger than that cultivated with cereals crops (Millet, Sorghum); this is due to high price for groundnut. No pest infestations have been reported since the spraying by MOA in all the Quelea (birds) infested areas. PDNO reports that areas of Labado, Mohajeria, Bedno, Um Alkhirat, Um Bouim, Kilekila Mogo, Esheraia, Tandalti, Khazan Gadeed, and Abu Hamera have recorded high vegetable production, mainly watermelon, tomato and cucumber. Reports that the areas North and North East Nyala and Sheria were affected by dry spells and low rainfall, all are indicators of a poor harvest except in the cultivated the Wadis (valleys). Assessment: The Ministry of Agriculture (MOA) in collaboration with WFP and FAO is planning a Pre-Harvest Assessment for South Darfur State. MOA has send out field numerators to the various localities and the preliminary report of Pre-harvest Assessment (PHA) report is expected by the end of October 2009. Livestock: Ministry of Animal Resources (MAR) trained 15 veterinarians from 15 veterinary clinics around South Darfur State on food security information system. The objective of the FAO funded project is to up-grade and setup a Livestock Information System (LIS). FAO s provided in kind support to SP in the form of: drugs and equipment to conduct treatment campaign in Tulus locality. There was delayed due to some procedures and requirements by MAR regarding the area, an alternate area is Deto in Burma locality. HAI conducted focus group discussion in four areas (Jourof, Doma, Umsayala and Taibat Elshacrin) in Shearia locality to develop animals blocking-up formats. Complied information is to be submitted to FAO which reflect the numbers and movement of the animals. WVI treated 1,500 animals in Alsalm and 990 in Otash IDPs camps, a part of FAO project that is to cover 6 IDPs camps accompanied with other livestock activities. WVI distributed 750 layer chickens to 150 HHs in Guldi area of Alsalm locality from its own resources. ICRC in collaboration with University of Nyala, is to conduct a refresher course training in Nyala for 15 Animal Health Auxiliaries (AHA) and 5 technicians. SPCR conducted assessment in Mirar area in Shearia locality, to acquire information regarding goats restocked in 2008. The assessment report indicates that 53 have been looted and 51 of goats died, the total off-spring was 180. The redistribution of the off-spring will take place in January 2010. According to ARC, PODR, PDNO and BBDO livestock situation in their respective operation areas is good, and animal disease was reported. They are preparing to fill the animals blocking-up format in their respective areas. Environment: SP established new fruits and shade trees nursery in Umboium (South Sheria locality). SP acquired land and is currently are fencing and collecting seeds. SP will work very closely with FNC ZOA distributed 30,000 different tree seedlings, 500 were distributed in both Musai and Sakali camp. The rest were distributed in school and community forest in Dereib Alreh, Belail Locality. FNC is following up the distribution by the partners from their nurseries in Buram and Sheria locality. SSO received seeds of different tree species from the Forest Research Center in Khartoum, and requested interested NGOs to contact their Nyala office as soon as the germination test stages conclude. MESO has finished the production of 1,650 pcss of mud stove in Dereige IDP Camp, 1,450 in Elseraif IDP Camp and 450 in Elsalam IDP camp. The low production of FES in Elsalam camp is the beneficiaries request for high incentives. In mid of October MSEO in collaboration with Darfur Advisory Group (DAG) will conduct a free training workshop for 25 participants from the various NGOs in proposal writing. North Darfur: RCSO provided Safe Access to Firewood and Alternative Energy in Humanitarian Setting (SAFE) Task force's team to North Darfur with the relevant information on past, presents and future planned activities regarding the Fuel Efficient Stoves Programming in Darfur. Following the meeting of the Deputy RC/HC and OCHA with the officials of El-Waha locality regarding the Nomads of North Darfur state. In a separate meeting with UN agencies and local officials discussed issues related to needs of the pastoralists and the how to address these needs, the UN will have an internal dissuasion on the matter. Government is key player to services delivery for those groups especially on health, education, and water.
5
FAO agriculture and livestock update for the month of September: the study had covered the whole North Darfur State localities with exception of Tina and Um Baro targeting 176 Households. The major findings were: according to Rainfall monitoring stations erratic rainfalls distributed over 30 % of the area, area like Malha, Kuma and Kutum received no rainfall. Millet prices rose in almost all localities, the livestock will be affected due to lack of pasture, and low animal prices. North Darfur FSL cluster, UNDP shared the draft on the Assessment of Goat restocking as livelihood strategy for IDPs camps of the North Darfur State. Sustainable Action Group (SAG) had completed its training for 15 participants on Metallic Stove/ Bercary Darfur Stove model. The T/CRMA analysis and programming: The key expected results of the T/CRMA programme is to formulate three IMWG sub groups in each Darfur state; El-Fasher (will play host to the Regional Forum), El Geneina and Nyala. The IMWG is to facilitate the development of a common information sharing commitments between UN agencies, UNAMID and (I) NGOs. Specifically to bring on board ER actors. For further HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS in Darfur please refer to OCHA bulletins www.unsudanig.org SOUTHERN SUDAN JONGLEI STATE (JS) Situation Analysis: From 4 - 8 October 2009 an assessment into Duk and Twic East Counties was conducted by UNDSS together with State and County authorities to review the security levels put in place following the recent tribal attacks in the area. The interagency assessment team, met with county authorities and NGOs on the ground in Pibor. The situation was found to be calm, with no recent security incidents. The County Commissioner said that the current understanding is that the SPLA will provide protection to the community in the event of another attack. However, the County Commissioner reported that due to failed crops and lack of food in the market, people have been moving to Pochalla in search of food, an Anyuak area, a development which could spark future intertribal clashes. HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Fresh displacements: On 9 October 2009, at the UN Security (ASMT) meeting, it was reported that an estimated 500 displaced individuals are now located at the former UNHCR waystation, 15 minutes by vehicle South of Bor town. The RCSO and WFP Bor encountered 100 IDPS during a subsequent assessment. The displaced are mainly women, children, and elderly of Dinka descent who were evicted from the Gutmakor cattle camp in Mundari territory in barges by the Bor County authorities. The men remained behind in the camps to guard their cattle. Furthermore, on 12 October 2009, RCSO received request from Bor County SSRRC through the State SSRRC to provide new in Pariak, the Bor Waystation (Malual Agorbor); and in Bor town. The IDPS were displaced from the clashes in Duk County between the Lou Nuer and the Dinka; and from the clashes between the Dinka and Mundari from the Gemmaiza and Mangalla on the Juba/Bor road. Interagency assessment of IDPS in Twic East: On 14 October 2009, WFP and UNMIS RRR travelled to assess the situation facing IDPs in Twic East County. The assessment team is and is expected to return to Bor 19 October 2009. Abducted children recovered and receiving care: UNMIS Child Protection and UNICEF facilitated the transportation of 13 abducted children from Pibor to Bor on 10 September 2009. Of the 13 returned children, 12 were from Anyuak and the remaining child, a Dinka from Bor. The children are now in Bor interim care centre renovated by the Ministry of Social Development with support from UNICEF and three months ration was also provided to them by WFP. There is another case load of 16 children currently in Pibor reported by the Governor. This case has been reported to UNICEF and the Team Leader for UNMIS Child Protection Unit. On 15 October 2009, the Pibor County Commissioner reported that 14 former abducted children are in the custody of the authorities and need to be taken to Bor. Over 140 children remain abducted. Interagency re-assessment in Pibor: An RCSO; OCHA EP&R and WFP interagency team, transported by UNMIS, flew to Pibor on 15 October 2009 to review the situation six months on from the attack on Lekuangole and to identify gaps in assistance if any. The airstrip has been rehabilitated by the WFP-sponsored Food for Work project and the IDPs have since returned to their home locations. There are currently no grains in the market and MSF-B reported that despite a general reduction of malnutrition cases, they have received reports of suspected malnutrition cases in Kongor in Pibor County. Logistics constraints: The Bor/Pibor road is still impassable but authorities expect it to be open in November. The river is high enough to be accessible to small boats from Malakal. River movements are low. Some work was done
6
on the airstrip by the community but the improvements were minimal and not sufficient to allow an upgrade of the airstrip. SSRRC reported that the food of the FFW project was given to the displaced people and was not used for the payment in kind for the airstrip rehabilitation. The Pibor airstrip remains unusable. Interagency assessment in Ayod County: An RCSO, WFP, COSV, and SSRRC interagency assessment will be conducted from 19 to 25 October in Ayod Count to assess and verify claims of 1,800 people displaced from the Duk Padiet incident on 20 September 2009.
LAKES STATE (LS) Situation Analysis: The security situation in Lakes State is generally calm. The Governor is still in Yirol West meeting with the community leaders and chiefs of Yirol East and Yirol West to foster peace processes between the two conflicted communities. RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT Budget Planning: The Lakes State Ministry of Finance held its State 2010 Annual Budget Planning Workshop on 12 October 2009; the workshop was attended by various UN agencies and NGOs. DDR: A UNDP team began counselling of ex-combatants on 12 October 2009 in Rumbek. A total of 380 ex- combatants are reported to have been demobilized, of which 102 have received counselling and 90 days food rations. HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Food distribution: WFP resumed food distribution to returnees in Rumbek East County on 13 October 2009, after having temporarily suspended their operations in the county following a gunfire attack on their vehicle by an unknown gunman on 17 September 2009. Fortunately no one was injured during the attack. The food distribution is expected to be completed on 16 October 2009, and will have provided assistance to a total of 1,454 IDPs living in Aduel, Pacong, Mathingkok and Cuicok Payams in Rumbek East County. Interagency IDP verification mission postponed: The planned IDP verification mission in Minkaman has been halted for insecurity reasons. The RCSO is in liaison with the Governor to ensure the protection of the team on the ground. ANLA debriefing: WFP conducted a debriefing meeting on 15 October 2009 of the preliminary report of the Annual Needs and Livelihood Assessment conducted between 28 September and 10 October 2009. Results of the report highlighted that yields of crops cultivated in the 6 counties visited were poor due to the prolonged dry spell across the State. There is an indication that there is going to be a serious hanger gap in the whole of Lakes State.
NORTHERN BAHR EL GHAZAL STATE (NBEGS) Situation Analysis Following town council orders to remove stray goats and cows from town, on 14 October 2009, policemen attempted to remove the animals belonging to an international staff member and violently attacked two UNDP security guards of UNDP and the FAO compound manager. The UN staffs were then detained in prison where they were further violated. The guards were taken to UNMIS clinic for medical attention. In a separate security incidence in the same week, armed men broke into the MSF compound in Aweil town, tied the guards down and demanded money. Having failed to extract money, they escaped with stolen three bicycles. Both incidences are under investigation by UNMIS security.
New Appointment of Female Deputy Governor commended: Women representatives from Warrap State visited NBEGS on 14 October 2009 to congratulate the newly appointed Deputy Governor, Madam Josephine Lado Moses. Madam Josephine was appointed as deputy Governor and Minister of local government replacing Mr. Arkangelo Athian Teng. In their speech, the visiting representatives commended the Governor, Maj. Gen Paul Malong Awan for his recognition of women.
RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT Food Security and Livelihood: FAO provided 250 households with fishing equipment in Aweil South County in anticipation of the fishing season. Support to State: A series of sector planning and budgeting workshops have been facilitated by UNDP. Budget sectors meetings will follow next week. DDR: WFP through SSRRC provided food aid of 69MT of assorted food items to ex combatants.
7
HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Food aid: WFP provided 3-month rations to 910 beneficiaries in Marial Thor village in Aweil East County following recommendations from an IRC assessment. Health: Malaria Consortium has distributed a total of 576,000 long life insecticide-treated bed nets since April this year. The distribution is almost complete and was carried out by 120 community basic drug distributors, trained by the Malaria Consortium.
UNITY STATE (US) Situation Analysis Security situation remains calm but unpredictable in Unity State at the time of writing. The presence of the forces of Paulino Matip and SPLA in and around Rubkona airstrip and 1.5 km from UNMIS compound has raised concerns about the security of UN and NGO staff staying in UNMIS compound. HUMANITARIAN SITUATION Reported Cases of Measles, AFP, and Meningitis in Unity State: The WHO field supervisor in Mayom Payam, Panyijar County, southern Unity State, reported on 13 October 2009, that there are 5 suspected cases of measles including one fatality in the County. In Puoljo village, Kuermolpiny Payam in Ruweng County, northern Unity State, WHO reported one Acute Flaccid Paralyis (AFP) case in a 4 year old child and in Mankien, Mayom County SMoH reported one suspected case of meningitis. A Health Emergency Response Team meeting was held on the 15 October 2009 to discuss the reported cases and two disease surveillance teams were despatched to Mankien and Panyijar to assess the situation on the 16 October 2009. Samples of the AFP case was collected by WHO and SMoH team in Pariang and sent to Bentiu for further investigation. Tetanus Immunization Campaign completed: WHO in collaboration with EPI unit of SMoH and health partners completed the Tetanus immunization campaign in Rubkona and Bentiu towns from 13 – 15 October 2009. The immunization was conducted to help prevent neonatal tetanus disease in females between the ages 15 – 50 years. An estimated number of 12,141 women were vaccinated. Comparably high number of Malaria Cases in Leer County: WHO in collaboration with SMoH, reports a high number of Malaria cases (reportedly 1,622) were detected in Leer County in comparison with other counties. WARRAP STATE (WS) Situation Analysis: The security situation in Warrap State is largely calm and stable during the reporting period. Tonj East County: There was a confirmed report (by both CCM and SSRRC) on 11 October 2009 of clashes between the security forces in Palal Payam of Tonj East County and the occupants of a cattle camp nearby. The youths in this cattle camp had reportedly barricaded the road and were looting from traders and passersby. The looting was reported to the Payam Administrator who alerted the security forces. There were 5 resulting fatalities, 3 locals and 2 SPLA soldiers. Many of the cattle keepers in the area have reportedly left with their cattle heading towards Kirrik Payam in Tonj North County in fear of reprisals from state authorities. Tonj South County: In a separate incident, reported by UNDSS, there was a clash between the SPLA and local community on 11 October 2009 in Thiet, a town in Tonj South County, bordering Palal. In this incident, 5 SPLA soldiers were killed. The fighting was reportedly the caused by SPLA soldiers who had stolen food from the locals. Allegedly, there is a heavy presence of security forces in Palal and Thiet. RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT School Construction: IOM reports that it has provided chairs and school desks for the school they had built early this year in Faraksika Village of Tonj North County. Arrangements are underway for its formal hand over to the Warrap State Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. Reintegration of ex-combatants: The Warrap State Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Office in collaboration with its UNDP DDR counterpart will begin counselling of demobilized SPLA ex-combatants in Kuajok. The program will target eighty-one ex-combatants from Warrap State who were demobilized in Central Equatoria a few months ago. HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Three NGOs resume activities: Three INGOs resume their normal activities following evacuation in Tonj East and North Counties due to insecurity. CCM is the only NGO that has permanent presence in Tonj East County but it also covers about 5 payams in Tonj North County. VSF-G is based in Marial Lou while Carter Centre covers almost all the state.
8
WESTERN BAHR ELGHAZAL STATE (WBEGS)
Situation Analysis The general security situation in WBEGS remains relatively calm and quiet, no specific major incidents reported during this reporting period. RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT Global Hand Washing Day to be celebrated on 20 October 2009 in Wau Town: Directorate of Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene in collaboration with WASH unit of UNICEF announced the celebration of Global Hand Washing Day in the State of Western Bahr el Ghazal on 20 October 2009. The line ministries, UN and relevant INGOs have been invited to attend the Hand Washing Day event, school children will also participate. IntermonOxfam conducts Food Security and income generation project survey in WBeGS: IntermonOxfam continues to conduct the baseline survey along with WOTAP and Women Development Group (WDG) for its intended food security and income generation project, funded by the EU, in areas of Bazia, Agok, Momoi, Bussere, and Rehani in Bassilia Payam in Wau County. I UNICEF Supports Wau Teaching Hospital with Health Kits: UNICEF reported that it has given Wau teaching hospital health materials which included 6 cartons of Plumpy Nut, one pack of MUAC tap and safe motherhood materials. The same health materials were also given to Wau midwifery school. UNICEF also gave social mobilisation training to 2 staff from State Ministry of Health in Raja County. DDR: WFP supported 50 individual in Wau town under DDR programme which started earlier in the week in Western Bahr el Ghazal State. HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS WFP distributed 3 months food ration to 381 spontaneous returnees in Raga town: On the 9 October 2009, 80 households of spontaneous returnees received 3 months food ration totaling 19.55 Mt of assorted food. On 15 and 16 October 2009, Reports of Haemorrahagic fever confirmed false: A joint WHO/MoH team successfully made it to Ferga and Kitkit on 13 October 2009 to confirm the reports of haemorrhagic fever. The team met with public health staff, local officials, and the general public however, no evidence to support the claims witnessed. The unanimous conclusion of the team is that this was a false alarm of a HF outbreak. However, issues to do with public health interest e.g. disease surveillance, case definitions, immunization coverage and health literacy do require attention and follow-up. A follow-up meeting facilitated by the RCSO with stakeholders will take place w/c 19 October 2009. WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE (WES) Situation Analysis The State Governor has mentioned that electoral processes may be affected in the state as the state is not politically ready to vote due to numerous negative impacts of incessant LRA attacks on the state which includes the current dire humanitarian situation, food insecurity, derailment of the reconstruction development programmes, instability, killings, rape, arson, and abduction among others. - The situation remains relatively calm, but unpredictable due to LRA threats. A worrisome trend is that after encounters with the LRA, there seems to be casualties on the side of UDPF and SPLA without any on the side of the LRA. The few LRA men who have been have killed were by the locals. some LRA attacks were recorded in Ezo, Nzara, and Ibba Counties: - On 14 October 2009, about ten LRA men attacked Bambia Village, eight miles to Yambio, killing two women and burning down two homes. The group is said to have withdrawn towards CAR. SPLA has since been deployed to the village. No abduction or looting was reported. - On 09 October 2009, the LRA abducted two hunters at Basandac village near Tambura Town and also looted some food. - A large group of LRA was reportedly sighted about 15 miles to Tambura on 10 October. They later burned some houses between Zangambaro and Namutina. No casualties and abductions where reported, however the group reportedly split into two after the attack. - Skirmishes between LRA and UPDF were reported to have taken place on 10 October at Namutina, Nagero County. One UPDF soldier was killed while no reported casualty from the LRA. - A total of 12 children (seven to ten years old) including an elderly couple were abducted by the LRA on 11 October 2009 at Mbungu Village, three miles to of Source Yubu. - On 14 October 2009, LRA attacked Bariguna Village, nine miles from Source Yubu – Ezo road. The son of the
9
Chief of Bariguna was reportedly killed, while the arrow boys killed 3 LRA men. RECOVERY AND DEVELOPMENT UNMIS assessment of Yambio airstrip: The UNMIS Air Operations Unit conducted an assessment visit to Yambio Airstrip to have an overview for a future project regarding constructing a new UNMIS parking apron This is to ensure that the airstrip can have overnight flights in case of any kind of evacuation. Increased police presence in Nagero County: the number of policemen in Nagero County has recently increased. The County Commissioner said they are constructing new facilities as a police station and as prison facility. There are currently 41 Prison officers and 40 police men under going training at Yambio to cover the big population and address numerous criminal activities that are taking place. Main concerns remain insufficient weapons to arm all the Policemen. HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS Revival of Humanitarian Coordination Forum: On 16 October, the State Governor, H.E. Jemma Nunu Kumba launched the state Humanitarian Coordination Forum (HCF) pledging the governments support to work collaborate with RCSO and all agencies in ensuring successful programme delivery to the state. The Governor also highlighted the numerous negative impacts of incessant LRA attacks on the state which includes the current dire humanitarian situation, food insecurity, derailment of the reconstruction/development programmes, instability, killings, rape, arson and abduction among others. Contingency Planning: On 16 October 2009, OCHA completed a three-day Contingency Planning, Disaster Management seminar for humanitarian actors in the state. The workshop served as capacity building for senior government managers, UN, and INGO staff. RCSO supported OCHA with preparations and participated as resource person. UNMIS Gender Policy Officer Visits Yambio: On 16 October 2009, DPKO HQ Gender Policy Officer visited the state concerning SGBV related matters about children affected by LRA. Some of the children are currently being hosted at Women Resource Centre in Yambio. Health Assessment in Gangura: The JMT visited Gangura area and assessed the health situation as being stable, since there was no report of recent outbreak in the area. However, some diseases caused by worms’ infestation and malaria remain the main challenge in the area, including lack of sufficient drugs. Outstanding assistance due to IDPS in Nagero: The displaced in Nagero County have not received assistance since the last distribution in Namutina facilitated by HCR and WFP in August 2009. The County Commissioner has requested for renewed assistance to the IDPs from all concerned. There are an estimated 4,000 returnees in Nagero County are currently put at 4000 persons; they are mostly from CAR, DR Congo, and Northern Sudan. A 14 year old Congolese boy, Zande by tribe who was abducted in Dungu-DRC was transferred by UNHCR to Juba for medical referral on 13 October 2009. He will be undergoing treatment in Juba hospital until an escort is found for him to enable him to proceed to Khartoum for surgery. UNMIS Child Protection will continue to follow up on the case of 3 Congolese children who were rescued by UPDF and handed over to UNHCR Yambio and are being hosted in Women Resource Centre.
The RCSO Weekly Report is a consolidation of weekly field reports produced by RCSO field offices, based on information from state level United Nations, NGO and government partners. For further information, please contact Alawiyya Jamal [email protected] (HERR/RCSO Khartoum) or Sandra Kugonsa Isingoma: [email protected] (RCSO Juba). For previous reports, please refer to: http://rco.unsudanig.org/
10