United Nations Mission June 2011 InSUDAN

Fleeing conflict in

Special Focus: New Nation Bridging the gap Gearing up for independence

Published by UNMIS Public Information Office INSIDE 16 May: Head of the UN-African Union Mission in Darfur Ibrahim 3 Special Focus: New Gambari expressed deep concern over the previous day’s air Nation Diary strikes on the villages of Labado and Esheraya, South Darfur, and called on belligerents to respect humanitarian law and rights of • Gearing up for innocent people. independence • Investing in Southern 20 May: Secretary-General (SG) Ban Ki-moon and UNMIS strongly condemned the 19 May “criminal ’s economy attack” on UN peacekeepers who were escorting a Joint Integrated Unit of Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) • Bridging the gap out of the Abyei area. • New state, new 21 May: Sudanese government troops seized Abyei town following an attack on a JIU convoy on 19 constitution May. President Omar Al-Bashir dissolved the Abyei Area Administration and dismissed chief area administrator Deng Arop Kuol, and a week later appointed SAF Brig. Gen. Azdeen Osman interim chief 8 Displaced persons administrator. Fleeing conflict in Abyei 22 May: SG Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned the escalation of violence in Abyei and expressed deep concern for the safety of civilians. Deploring the shelling of the UNMIS compound that wounded two 10 Landmines peacekeepers, he called on both parties to immediately cease their military operations. Members of ‘A living testimony’ the Security Council called on the Sudanese government during their four-day visit to the country to withdraw its military from Abyei. 11 Health Fighting fear and disease 25 May: During a two-day visit to the Abyei area, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Georg Charpentier called for the protection of civilians forced to flee the Abyei area (whose number had 12 Photo Gallery surpassed 105,000 as In Sudan went to print), assurance of their safe passage and right to return. Two Rafting on the White Nile days later, the UN Country Team in Sudan deplored the looting of emergency relief supplies in Abyei. 31 May: Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy and head of UNMIS Haile 14 Children Menkerios briefed the Security Council about the need to avoid a hostile divorce between the north and Reuniting families south as the latter approached independence on 9 July. They also discussed the fate of UNMIS, whose mandate was set to expire simultaneously with the south’s independence declaration. 15 Secretary-General’s Report 3 June: The Security Council demanded that the Government of Sudan withdraw immediately from Ban reviews border issues, Abyei, and strongly condemned it for continuing to maintain control over the town. proposes southern mission 4 June: SG Ban welcomed progress made during the All Darfur Stakeholders Conference in Doha to resolve the Darfur conflict and called on the parties to make compromises to reach lasting peace. The 16 Development over 500 delegates participating in the conference adopted a framework document as a basis for the Rich in promise conflict’s peaceful settlement.

18 Security 5 June: Fighting broke out in the Southern Kordofan State capital of Kadugli when gunmen looted a Wave of violence police station and stole arms. Hours later, a firefight broke out in Um Durrein, and the next day there were serious clashes between Sudan People’s Liberation Army and SAF forces in Kadugli, causing 19 News Briefs residents to flee the area. To provide security and temporary shelter for the thousands of displaced, UNMIS set up a protection area adjacent to its Kadugli headquarters. IN SUDAN is published monthly by the 6 June: UN Military Advisor Lt. Gen. Babacar Gaye visited the troubled region of Abyei as well as UN Mission in Sudan. Contents do not Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states. After meeting with UNMIS Force Commander Maj. Gen. Moses necessarily reflect the official position of the Obi and troops on the ground, Lt. Gen. Gaye found that Zambian peacekeepers in Abyei should have UN or that of UNMIS. Articles and contents been more visible to deter violence against civilians and the destruction of property. may be freely reproduced, with credit to In Sudan. 6 June: UNMIS expressed deep concern about the security situation in Abyei and Southern Kordofan and called on the parties to prevent escalation of violence. The mission also urged the SAF to stop Editor-in-Chief: Hua Jiang ongoing looting in Abyei, release civilians in their custody, grant unconditional humanitarian access to Managing Editor: Catherine Waugh all parts of the area, and stop artillery fire in the vicinity of the UN compound that would pose a security Associate Editor: Joseph Contreras threat. Assistant Editors: Eszter Farkas and Murugi Murekio 8 June: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Georg Charpentier called for an immediate halt to Layout and Design: Hussein Ahmed fighting in Southern Kordofan State so that affected civilians could receive much-needed assistance. Elrayah 10 June: The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said it had received “extremely For comments and suggestions contact worrying” reports of civilian casualties and massive displacement of people amid deteriorating [email protected] humanitarian conditions in Southern Kordofan State. Spokesperson Rupert Colville called on parties to FRONT COVER: IDPs who had fled Abyei waiting the conflict to immediately stop the indiscriminate shelling and provide safe corridors for the passage for food aid in , State. Photo: UNMIS/ of civilians. Hailemichael Gebrekrstos. BACK COVER: Men working on waterfront in Port Sudan, Red Sea State. Photo: UNMIS/Eszter Farkas. 2 In Sudan.UNMIS.June 2011 New Nation

Gearing up for independence

enovating International “July 9 is a great day for us,” said A brighter future Airport, paving roads and Warrap State Governor Nyandeng Malek. clearing slums are just a few “The way we are going to celebrate is a Western Bahr El-Ghazal State Governor R ongoing preparations for the concern for everybody throughout the Hassan said 9 July meant the rebirth of historic day on 9 July when Southern region.” the entire southern region after 22 years Sudan declares its long-awaited Governor Malek said her administration of struggle, and noted that it was endowed independence. considered 9 July the most historic day with vast natural resources. “Once we get To plan independence celebrations in in Southern Sudan’s struggle for freedom our independence, I think will the capital Juba and coordinate plans with and justice. Officials had formed a develop very swiftly. I am quite optimistic.” the 10 states, Government of Southern committee to organize celebrations in the The lives of people in Warrap would Sudan (GoSS) President Salva Kiir state at the household, boma (town area), improve, Governor Malek said, stating that Mayardit formed a High-Level Committee payam (township), county and state levels. she saw a brighter and better future for her chaired by Vice-President Riek Machar Unlike Western Bahr El-Ghazal, state. Teny via a decree last February. the state administration in Warrap is “The part that we are ending on 9 July The committee’s mandated duties depending on the generosity of residents is a part of (the) struggle for freedom, include choosing a venue for the to fund celebrations. justice and equality,” said the Warrap declaration of independence, preparing “In the boma, we are telling the governor. “Now we will continue our a budget for the event and sending out commissioners we can provide sodas, struggle against poverty, hunger and invitations to dignitaries around the world. sweets and other things, so contribute diseases.” Western Bahr El-Ghazal State the bulls,” she said. “Let the women cook, South Sudan would be a great nation Governor Riziq Zakaria Hassan, who is a people dance and eat your bulls. That is that would play an effective and important member of the regional committee, said how we are going to celebrate.” role in the Horn of Africa, she stressed. meetings had been held at the GoSS level Governor Malek added that Officials urged residents to celebrate and sub-committees formed in states and celebrations would be decentralized. peacefully and avoid any violent acts on counties. “Each level will play its own role. Bomas the day. In January of this year, the people of will have their own, payams will have their “The only thing we do not want to see Southern Sudan voted overwhelmingly for own, counties and up to state level,” she during that day is any sort of problem,” independence during an internationally said. “Here at (the) state (capital ) said Governor Malek. “I appeal to people monitored week-long referendum. we will have our own celebration at not to drink (too) much (and) create Officials from the Bahr El-Ghazal area Freedom Square and we will decorate it problems.” State High Committees for the Celebration and our flag will be raised.” “We hope that each individual will of Independence Day reported that plans In Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, state commemorate and celebrate the day as were progressing well in Warrap as well officials, chiefs, religious leaders and their own day,” said Northern Bahr El- as Northern and Western Bahr El-Ghazal prominent figures are working together to Ghazal State Secretary General Kuot. states. organize the celebrations. Western Bahr El-Ghazal had formed “We have formed a state high Story and photo: seven sub-committees, Governor Hassan committee for the celebration of the day at Hailemichael Gebrekrstos said, and earmarked 2.2 million Sudanese each level of the state and things are going Pounds ($700,000) for celebrations on 9 smoothly and according to our plans,” said CAPTION: Warrap State Governor Nyandeng July. State Secretary General Garang Kuot. Malek at her Kuajok office. www.unmis.unmissions.org 3 New Nation Investing in Southern Sudan’s economy

ttracting investors to Southern goods and services rendered by investors of doing business, she noted, with an Sudan remains challenging, as or businessmen, which have plagued average rank of 159 out of 183 countries the region still lacks financial consumers. worldwide. As a result, World Bank A institutions, appropriate laws, Foreign goods are currently flooding indicators drew attention to key priorities, infrastructure and regular taxation into the country due to a lack of local identifying the government as the agent practices. production, which makes enforcement of to implement policies and provide an Although six years of peace have legislation even more difficult. encouraging environment for investment. brought in some trade and investment But with the region soon to become Economic growth also depended laws, irregularities still exist, according to Africa’s youngest nation, various laws are on human resource development and Kenyi Spencer, private sector development being speedily drafted to fill the decades- technical transfer of knowledge so that the consultant for the World Bank. old gap and bolster economic growth. same job could be done in future, Ms. Atil The region had never been in the Among them is the Standard Act, which said. “It is important that foreign investors position as it was today to draw up such aims to protect consumers. engage in local content and employ local laws, he said. The only one existing when labor and source from local firms.” the Comprehensive Peace Agreement Enhancing the business She also stressed the need to provide (CPA) was signed in 2005 was a 1933 bill environment set to govern petty trade for buying and To examine business progress and selling goods. “Economic growth also constraints, the GoSS in collaboration with “As a result many people lack its partners launched the “Doing business depended on human knowledge and skills on how to (operate) in Juba” programme on 17 May to measure small or large businesses, and ... have resource development regulation and enforcement. no access to capital to carry out large The project is investigating regulations businesses, such as production,” Mr. and technical transfer of that enhance as well as hinder business Spencer said. activity and investment, according to knowledge so that the He added that the World Bank, which Akuei Deng, under-secretary in the GoSS was working with the Government of same job could be done Ministry of Investment. Southern Sudan (GoSS), donors and “As a government, this gives us ways in future. the International Finance Cooperation to ” ... to improve what is required and provide improve investor services, had supported jobs and income-generating opportunities a conducive environment for the business the GoSS in setting up policies or laws, but in the short term, which was as crucial as community and investors who will be implementation was challenging. streamlining Southern Sudan’s business interested ... in Southern Sudan,” said the “About 12 laws were enacted and eight environment for future growth. official. others are still to come, though some of To expand access to finance for the last As an example, he pointed to the them won’t be used at the moment,” Mr. two years, the Peace Dividend Project had Investment Promotion Act of 2009, which Spencer said. “But we believe that putting begun promoting a range of productive has a provision exempting agricultural them in place is very important (because sectors contributing to the local economy, imports – tools, equipment, machinery and the) time will come for them to be used.” value, and job creation for southerners, tractors, pharmaceuticals, animal feed Simon Akuei Deng, secretary general said Ms. Atil. and seed – to boost food and cash crops for the Southern Sudan Chamber of “We are aspiring for a diversified middle production. Commerce, Industry and Agriculture, class, moving away from the current “All these were exempted from any noted that enforcing taxation laws was growing economic inequality between duties and taxes for a period that shall still problematic because of existing different factions of the population,” she be determined,” the undersecretary government structures under the CPA. said. said. “The aim of this (exemption) is to Under that arrangement, all levels of Mr. Spencer noted that about 45,000 promote investment in those areas, rather government – GoSS, state and local – people had access to funding for small than depending on oil resources as (for) are granted tax-collecting rights across businesses through the microfinance government income.” the country, burdening local and foreign window from trust funds established Melody Atil, a financial and private investors with multiple taxes. to alleviate poverty and improve living sector specialist in Southern Sudan, Mr. Deng added that irregularities conditions. concurred that the government must in tax management were also due to “But in future we shall have to use minimize risk and encourage foreign lack of capacity among government the existing laws to control the cash flow investors. agencies, although he believed that laws because not all these people will become “It is important for the government correcting this would be set in place after necessarily businessmen or women,” he and donors to set in place structures to independence. added. solve market inefficiencies such that it “Eliminating those indiscretions and will be both easy and advantageous for harmonizing the function of all institutions Dependent on foreign foreign investors to engage with the local at federal and state levels will be the economy,” said Ms. Atil, who is also a solution in future,” the secretary general goods founder and managing director of the said. Peace Dividend Project. Although Southern Sudan contains the In the meantime, uncontrolled taxes Southern Sudan currently ranked bulk of the country’s oil reserves and prime have contributed to inflated prices for very low on an index measuring the ease agricultural land, the devastating civil war

4 New Nation Investing in Southern Sudan’s economy

made it dependent on foreign goods and efforts of its people. services rather than a producer. Economic Mr. Spencer expressed hope that the CAPTIONS: region would become as productive a state aspirations were restrained at the expense Top: Launch of “Doing business in Juba” of bearing fruit. as others in the region in about five to 10 programme. But with support from financial years. But he stressed that citizens must institutions, the World Bank and other play their part by engaging in business Bottom: Roundtable discussion at “Doing business in Juba” launch. organizations, the region is finally on the activities. road to economic growth, although it may face obstacles along the way. One of the Story and photos: biggest could be its landlocked status, Ojja Bosco which will create difficulties for South Sudan to compete in exporting goods. “Only goods that have a high value per kilo will likely be internationally competitive,” Ms. Atil observed. Sustainable economic growth from higher productivity and incomes will only occur with the transition from crisis and relief to sustainable economic viability. Among its other unfortunate effects, the war created an aid-dependent population who now must fend for themselves. Regrettably, some youth have resorted to cattle raiding from neighbours in meeting their needs. Unemployment among youth as well as university graduates has been increasing, as there are currently few jobs for them. In the end, the potential for developing sustainable economic expansion depends on the vision of its leaders as well as the

www.unmis.unmissions.org 5 New Nation Bridging the gap

Finding alternatives to the oil revenue orth Sudan has been reviewing $1.7), up from 2 SDG ($0.7), a sack of and boost alternative sources of income. options to supplement the wheat flour cost 115 SDG ($42), up from “We may not resort to more austerity massive loss of oil revenue 83 SDG ($30) and a Sudanese pound measures,” he said, adding that further N it will experience after the bought only four pieces of local flat bread, price hikes might create a negative social imminent secession of Southern Sudan. while it used to fetch five. environment. “We don’t want to create Although livestock, sesame, cotton The ministry has drafted a three-year tension.” and gum Arabic are among Sudan’s emergency plan to run from 2011 to 2013, “Mining is becoming an important main exports, petrol still dominates the Mr. Mahmoud said, which would fall in line source of income to the country and we balance. It accounted for some 92 percent with the second five-year strategic plan are looking into other areas, which have of exports and 54 percent of government currently drafted by the Higher Council for not been dealt with … for example, tourism revenue in 2010, according to the Strategic Planning, an institute reporting could be one of the sources,” Mr. Mahgoub International Monetary Fund (IMF). to the office of Sudanese Second Vice- said, adding that “(the 15 northern) states The latest IMF report, covering 2009 President Ali Osman Taha. have got a lot of unused potential,” which and 2010, also notes that “in the wake As Sudan’s first five-year plan was needs tapping to lessen reliance on the of the South’s independence, Sudan is coming to an end this year, the Higher federal budget. expected to lose its 50 percent share of Council held a meeting in early May with Both the finance minister and the the South’s oil production which will have key ministries, advisors, trade unions and council chairman agreed that Sudan’s an immediate impact on the fiscal and civil society representatives in preparation investment law should be revised to boost external balances”. for the next one, part of Sudan’s 25-year investment appetite and shift focus from In line with the Comprehensive Peace plan launched in 2006. services to investment in the production Agreement (CPA), north and south have According to Taj Elsir Mahgoub, sector. been sharing revenues of the country’s Chairman of the Higher Council for “We have noticed that most of the crude oil under a 50-50 formula. As Strategic Planning, consultations focused investors are interested in the service most of the oil -- some 73 per cent -- is on how to curb government expenditure areas, so we want to divert them to the produced in Southern Sudan, 1 production sector, to go to agriculture per cent in the disputed Abyei area and agro-based industries,” Minister and only 26 per cent in the north, “If the south separates, we Mahmoud said. Khartoum will lose a significant are going to lose about 36 per Financial analysts, who preferred amount of oil revenue, according to remain anonymous, have also to Minister of Finance and National cent of the oil (half of 73 per observed that the country’s immense Economy Ali Mahmoud. military spending ate up large “If the south separates, we are cent) produced in the south.” amounts, compounding the financial going to lose about 36 per cent of situation. Currently, more than two- the oil (half of 73 per cent) produced thirds of Sudan’s budget went to in the south,” Mr. Mahmoud said defense spending, while investment in during an interview at his Khartoum healthcare and education was lacking, office, “which will have a direct they have said. effect on our financial position”. In Mr. Mahmoud’s analysis, “At the same time, we are going revenue received from the south’s use to lose foreign exchange and that of the north’s oil pipelines, refineries will affect the balance of payments and seaport would “bridge the gap (net earnings on exports minus in the fiscal budget” after July 2011, payments for imports),” eventually but the balance of payments problem resulting in inflation and deprecation would remain. This, in his view, could of the Sudanese pound, he added. be mitigated by increased oil and gold To lessen negative effects, production. various measures have been The country was also hoping to considered, including cutting receive grants and loans, mainly government expenditure – possibly from Gulf countries, and possibly by amalgamating ministries – and release of its external debt, he added, increasing revenue by reviewing which stood at $38 billion as of 2010. tax and custom exemptions, Mr. According to the minister, debt relief Mahmoud said. had become a political question. Over the past few months, the country has experienced price Story and photo: hikes, partly due to the removal of Eszter Farkas household gas and petrol subsidies. In May, as widely reported by local Minister of Finance and National Economy Ali media, a kilogram of sugar sold for Mahmoud. 4.5 Sudanese pounds (SDG, about

6 In Sudan.UNMIS.June 2011 New Nation New state, new constitution

he five-month-long drafting of a a sovereign nation-state. A sweeping committees. transitional constitution for the overhaul of the existing constitution was Some opposition parties took exception future Republic of South Sudan never contemplated. to SPLM proposals to give the president T has entered its concluding phase The expected promulgation of a of an independent Republic of South with its recent submission to the transitional constitution next month will Sudan the powers to unilaterally appoint Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly. bring to an end the first phase of the and dismiss state governors and the new As In Sudan went to press, it constitutional review process, according nation’s vice-president. remained unclear exactly when the to GoSS Minister of Legal Affairs and Another source of discord has centred regional parliament would end its Constitutional Development John Luk Jok. on the life span of the current Southern ongoing deliberations over the political Speaking at a public lecture in the Sudan Legislative Assembly. Some charter, which will require the signature regional capital of Juba last March, Mr. opposition parties have called for fresh of President of the Jok, who also serves as chairperson of the parliamentary elections as early as next regional Government of Southern Sudan technical constitutional review committee, year, but the SPLM wants the existing (GoSS) before it can take effect. said the second phase of the process will legislature to serve out its full five-year But both of those developments are begin after the 10 southern Sudanese term that ends in 2015. widely expected to occur before the states become an independent nation. The widely reported inclusion of official proclamation of South Sudan’s It shall end with the adoption of a a provision in the transitional charter independence on 9 July 2011. permanent constitution for the fledgling declaring the disputed Abyei border region country, he said. to be part of a future Republic of South Technical constitutional In late April, the technical review Sudan has also angered the National review committee committee presented its recommendations Congress Party of Sudanese President on the transitional constitution to the office Omar Al-Bashir. Work on a transitional constitution of the Southern Sudanese presidency, Ignorance and confusion about the began on 21 January this year with the along with its proposals for the making of a role of the technical constitutional review formation of a technical review committee permanent political charter. committee have further muddied the empowered by presidential decree to During his remarks on the opening day picture, according to UNMIS Chief Human amend the 2005 Interim Constitution of of the fifth Speakers’ Forum in Southern Rights Officer Benedict Sannoh. Southern Sudan (ICSS). Sudan earlier this month, GoSS President Many Southern Sudanese citizens That document was created for the Kiir noted that the pending transitional believe the panel has been working on semi-autonomous region of Southern constitution is only a provisional document a permanent constitution, he noted, and Sudan, which was founded within the and pledged to involve “all walks of life” expectations about the scope and limits of context of a united Sudan at the end of the in an inclusive process for drafting the the new nation’s transitional magna carta country’s second civil war. nascent republic’s permanent constitution. need to be managed. But in the wake of last January’s “The key,” said Mr. Sannoh, “is to overwhelming vote in the Southern educate the people.” Sudan referendum in favour of secession, Review obstacles To that end, a series of public lectures the ruling Sudan People’s Liberation Controversy and confrontation between sponsored by the University of Juba, Movement (SPLM) and various opposition the SPLM and some leading opposition the Southern Sudan Human Rights political parties broadly agreed on the parties have surfaced on occasion during Commission and the Justice Africa need to adopt a transitional constitution the transitional constitution drafting Southern Sudan Programme has been based on the ICOSS and tailored to the process. held in all 10 southern states to inform enhanced powers and responsibilities of a Representatives of five opposition citizens about the review and drafting sovereign state. parties appointed to the review panel process. From the outset, the drafting process chaired by Mr. Jok walked out of the has been limited to a technical review of process in early March, after accusing Antonette Miday the ICOSS that would delete all references committee members from the SPLM Photos: Isaac Gideon to a united Sudan and re-cast existing of having violated established rules of government structures in the south at procedure for deliberations and decision- a regional level as the institutions of making within the body and its sub- Public debate on South Sudan constitution.

www.unmis.unmissions.org 7 Displaced persons Fleeing conflict in Abyei

yak Deng made her way to Abyei sheltering under trees without food and wives and eight of his 15 children. market early one May morning to basic necessities.” “I lost my wives and children while we buy the day’s food for herself and Commissioner Deng added that fled Abyei and I (have had no) information A her mother, who was at home emergency food assistance from about their whereabouts since,” said the looking after her young son. international aid agencies, including the 67-year-old man. “The conflict happened ... Wandering around the stalls an hour World Food Programme (WFP), was and we were in total shock.” later, Ms. Deng’s life suddenly took a insufficient for the large influx of refugees Thousands of IDPs around Turalei drastic turn as conflict erupted in the town and that shelter was also lacking. depended on daily food from humanitarian and she was forced to flee. Warrap State Governor Nyandeng organizations to survive, said WFP head Days later, the 20-year-old mother Malek echoed the commissioner’s in Abyei Margareta Coco, speaking from arrived in Turalei, Warrap State, separated statement. “At this stage, the humanitarian her temporary base in Wunrock. “We are from her mother and son. situation in our state is very … bad after trying to make sure that all people get “I was away from home to buy food Abyei was invaded .... which displaced the immediate food assistance from WFP.” stuff from Abyei market when the incident entire population ... into Warrap State.” As of 8 June, the agency had provided happened,” the distraught mother said Speaking to In Sudan from her Kuajok 1,238 metric tons of food to 83,316 with tears in her eyes. “I (left) both my office, she added, “In places like Turalei, displaced people from Abyei in Warrap, son and mother at home and I (haven’t) markets are completely closed down. The the Abyei area, Western Bahr El-Ghazal, heard about them since then. I am not sure restaurants are closed … there is nothing Northern Bahr El-Ghazal and states. whether they are alive or dead.” there.” The majority of IDPs in Turalei, Ms. Deng joined tens of thousands of Stating that the conflict had affected however, complained that they had yet to displaced people in Twic County, who had both displaced and host communities, she receive food, noting that local people were fled Abyei after the Sudan Armed Forces said places like Twic and Goegrial West also receiving assistance and urging UN (SAF) took control of the town on 21 May. counties were the most affected, needing agencies to distinguish between them and Lying on the north-south Sudanese urgent humanitarian help. the displaced. border, Abyei was accorded “Special “Currently, there is no market to “It is very surprising to see local people Administrative Status” under the Abyei supplement whatever gaps exist in terms from the area receiving food aid in the Protocol of the Comprehensive Peace of food security, as all roads connecting name of displaced people from Abyei, Agreement. The area was scheduled to the state with the north are closed down,” while we are sitting without food here,” hold a referendum in January 2010 on Governor Malek said. said Abyei IDP Santino Ngor. whether to join the north or south, but Compounding matters, the SAF had Ms. Coco confirmed that challenges this has so far failed to occur, as neither closed all roads leading into her state existed in separating IDPs from locals, but party can agree on qualified voters, weeks before they occupied Abyei, she said her office was coordinating with area a referendum commission and other said, severely affecting the entire region. officials to resolve the problem. elements. “We in greater Bahr El-Ghazal, Despite humanitarian efforts, needs Regional and international mediation especially Northern Bahr El-Ghazal, among the displaced population remained has been unable to resolve the quandary, Western Bahr El-Ghazal and Warrap high and there were concerns of a further as have any attempts to reach a political states -- almost 99 per cent of our goods downturn as the rainy season progressed. settlement. Meanwhile, both sides have come from northern Sudan,” the governor The UN Office for the Coordination of reportedly been building up their military said. “So, when the roads were closed it Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has noted strength in the area. really affected these three states.” that the sudden influx of people has put a As of 7 June, some 100,000 people While praising humanitarian work by heavy strain on existing commodities and had fled from the Abyei area, of which agencies in the area, she added that basic services, affecting both displaced 67,000 had been registered, according to shelter was still an urgent problem. and host communities alike. the UN High Commissioner for Refugees “We as a government ... don’t have But one of the most pressing (UNHCR). the capacity to give shelter to the IDPs,” challenges was heavy rains, which had Officials from the Government of said Governor Malek. “The shelter we are made emergency shelter for the displaced Southern Sudan Ministry of Humanitarian providing is ... through our community. an urgent priority. The frequent downpours Affairs have put the number of internally We have already appealed to the host had also sparked concerns about health displaced persons (IDPs) up to 150,000. community (that) whenever they have a conditions, sanitation and the spread of About 68 per cent of registered IDPs space in their houses, at least to welcome diseases, particularly among vulnerable have sought safety in the Turalei and and shelter the displaced people when it groups like children and the elderly. Mayan Abun areas of Warrap State, while is raining.” According to OCHA, aid agencies the rest have gone to Agok further north, had to deliver assistance and reinforce according to the UNHCR. pre-position supplies before the rainy Twic County Commissioner Dominic Separated families season rendered roads in upper Warrap Deng said the already dire humanitarian Like Ayak Deng, many displaced were impassable, forcing more expensive and situation in the area was worsening and traumatized by family separation due to volume-limited delivery by air. that people were continuing to flock into the sudden conflict. In speeding up assistance, OCHA Turalei. “At this time, thousands of people, Achie Gock was separated during Humanitarian Officer Said Musa said his including women and children … are the scramble to flee from two of his three agency was coordinating all aid activities

8 In Sudan.UNMIS.June 2011 Displaced persons

with the Southern Sudan Relief and Sudanese government to halt its military paving ways to end the chapter of war and Rehabilitation Commission and other operations and withdraw immediately from displacement in Abyei once and for all, so organizations operating in the area. the Abyei area, stating that its presence that they can live a life without fear. “We organize a humanitarian there was a serious violation of previous coordination meeting of all humanitarian agreements. Story and photos: agencies every evening in Wunrock It has called on all parties to protect Hailemichael Gebrekrstos to discuss challenges and gaps in the civilians in the affected area and take humanitarian intervention process and all necessary measures to ensure they to come up with ways how to better were not targeted. Noting that looting coordinate our efforts,” said Mr. Musa. was occurring in Abyei town, international CAPTIONS: actors have also called on the Sudanese Top: OCHA-organized humanitarian coordination Calling for peaceful government to intervene and stop such meeting in Wunrock. settlements criminal acts. Displaced people like Ayak Deng Bottom: WFP distributing food for Abyei IDPs in Turalei. The international community, including look forward to seeing all previous and the Security Council, has called on the current agreements implemented fully,

www.unmis.unmissions.org 9 Landmines ‘A living testimony’ A landmine victim’s story s a soldier in the ranks of the God made me “The path along which I was walking Sudan People’s Liberation Army “ was clear, but scraps such as iron bars (SPLA) during the country’s survive death and nails of used ammunition were visible A second civil war, Marko Lodiko at a distance,” said Mr. Korok, adding that Korok became quite adept at laying because he wanted it was hard at the time to determine the landmines in his native me to be a living exact location of anti-personnel mines county of Pibor. that had been planted in the vicinity of the “I can still recall two military trucks of testimony to others.” former SAF barracks. our enemies destroyed by antitank mines “Where you think it is safe is where it standstill in his corner of Jonglei. I planted in Pibor,” said the 35-year-old is unsafe with landmines,” he noted. “The He was transferred to Yei a year after father of two, standing beside a sofa in mines remained active underneath.” the war officially ended in January 2005. In his home in the Central State Upon hearing the explosion, his 2007, Mr. Korok’s unit was re-assigned to town of Yei. “I was so good at positioning comrades-in-arms rushed to the scene the county of Kajo Keji landmines.” of the detonated mine to find Mr. Korok to hunt down members of the Ugandan- Little did Mr. Korok know at the time half dead and lying in a pool of blood. The led Lord’s Resistance Army who were still that one of those deadly mines would one SPLA soldiers then brought their stricken operating in the area. day maim him. colleague to Kajo Keji’s Mundari Hospital. He and his fellow SPLA soldiers moved The fourth child in a Murle family of A bachelor at the time, he spent over into an abandoned barracks of the Sudan seven children raised by small farmers, Mr. a year in the hospital recovering from his Armed Forces (SAF) in the Mundari district Korok joined the rebel army in 1987 partly injuries. of Kajo Keji town. One evening, he was for economic reasons, as the outbreak “Life was so hard at the hospital returning from a nearby stream where he of war in southern Sudan had brought because I was not married by then,” had finished bathing when disaster struck. commerce and agriculture to an abrupt said Mr. Korok, who had both of his legs amputated above the knees. “If I had been married by that time, my wife would have given me proper care and attention, but my thanks go to well-wishers who provided for my daily bread in the hospital.” The SPLA transferred Mr. Korok back to Yei after he was discharged from the hospital in 2008. He married a year later and gets by on a monthly military pension of 400 Sudanese pounds ($147). An avid football fan, the retired soldier devotes some of his spare time to favourite hobbies such as playing cards and dominos or listening to music. He urged his fellow Southern Sudanese to exercise great caution about concealed silent killers known as landmines that can remain active for more than 50 years after they have been laid. “I am an expert in planting landmines but see what has happened to me now,” said Mr. Korok, who has an iron support stand attached to his shorter right leg to give him balance. “I was once tall like you, standing on two legs but now I am standing on three legs.” “God made me survive death because he wanted me to be a living testimony to others,” he said. “If I had died, my friends would not have learned from me.”

Story and photo: James Sokiri

CAPTION: Former soldier and landmine victim Marko Lodiko Korok.

10 In Sudan.UNMIS.June 2011 Health Fighting fear and disease

lthough Sudan’s leading cancer breast due to the illness, and part of their radiotherapy machines out of five, and a affects the breast, women have femininity. three-month waiting list. Spare parts were little awareness of the disease “They are afraid they wouldn’t be able rather costly and hard to obtain. A and postpone check-ups until it to give birth after the operation,” said As long as communicable diseases like is too late, medical practitioners say. breast cancer survivor and member of malaria and tuberculosis were taking large While exact figures are hard to Woman’s Initiative Group (WIG) Mahassin tolls in Sudan, however, authorities gave establish, nearly one third or between 29 Osman, who had to undergo a mastectomy less emphasis and financial support to and 34 per cent of all female cancer in in 1993 at the age of 28. cancer awareness, said Dr. Hamed. Sudan is breast, according to the Radio After noticing a lump in her breast “We have to invest more in breast Isotope Centre Khartoum (RICK). RICK, while she was lactating her third child, Ms. care awareness,” noted Dr. Nadir Saad, established in 1964, is the older of two Osman saw a doctor, who misdiagnosed Khartoum State Ministry of Health Director institutions offering radiotherapy treatment her and only seven months later referred of the Non-communicable Diseases in all of Sudan, treating 8,000-10,000 new her for surgery. First a part and later all Control Programme. While the ministry cases every year. of her left breast was removed. She then had started an early detection training Some 80-85 per cent of breast cancer had to travel to Saudi Arabia for radio and programme at 100 health centres, patients show up for care during the chemotherapy treatment for six months, resources were limited for all non- disease’s latest stages, when it has spread as there were no functioning machines in communicable diseases. to the armpits, liver, lungs or bones and Sudan at that time. Health practitioners unanimously agree chances of healing are meager, according Affected women often got abandoned on the need to train midwives and general to RICK oncology professor Dr. Kamal by their husbands, who shortly after the practitioners to catch the disease in Hamed. surgery married another wife, Ms. Osman time, but much responsibility lies with the “This is attributed to many factors -- said, reinforcing women’s bias against individual too. mainly poverty, illiteracy, lack of effective the disease. Cultural practices can also “I advise all women to conduct health education and screening, the aggravate the illness. “One in five women, self-examination at the end of each large size of the country and the poor when they find a lump, go to a local menstruation and see a doctor if they find distribution of limited medical resources,” healer,” Dr. Hamed said, using herbs and anything abnormal. They shouldn’t be he said. delaying clinical diagnosis and treatment. afraid,” said Ms. Osman, who gave birth Professionals at Khartoum’s new Dr. Fadl emphasized that awareness- to her fourth child five years after surgery. private hospital, the Khartoum Brest Care raising and regular screening were “I am an example … I have completely Centre (KBCC), which offers diagnosis, most important in fighting the disease. recovered.” surgical and chemotherapy treatment, KBCC had organized sessions for noted a similar trend. According to Dr. private company employees that urged Story and photo: Eszter Farkas Hania Fadl, the centre’s founder and women in their 40s and above to get wife of Sudanese-British entrepreneur biennial mammography tests, which can Mohamed Ibrahim, Sudanese women tend significantly reduce the morbidity rate. New equipment at Khartoum Breast Care Centre. to avoid doctors and favour oblivion. Teaching breast “Even educated, middle-class women self-examination with don’t want to come for mammography (an the help of WIG and X-ray screening tool for breast cancer). enabling doctors They … don’t want to know,” she said. across the country “I don’t think in the last thirty-some to detect the disease years any real improvement in breast care in the earliest stage awareness has happened (in Sudan),” were primary goals, said Dr. Hania, who left the country in the Dr. Hamed said. He 1980s to study and work in diagnostic added that a training radiology in the United Kingdom. She of trainers course established KBCC with financial support would be essential from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation after to reach women in realizing the need for specialized facilities closed-off rural areas, in Sudan. where primary health “Women are afraid of the term breast care was basic. cancer,” KBCC Medical Director Dr. “There is little Ibrahim Balla said, adding that this creates funding for research, a catch 22 situation for breast cancer awareness-raising, prevention. maintenance of “As most Sudanese women get health facilities diagnosed with already advanced breast and diagnostic and cancer when the prognosis of the disease treatment devices,” is very unfavourable, women think breast said the RICK cancer means death,” which further professor. In early prevents women from attending check- June, his centre had ups, he noted. only two functioning Some women also fear losing their www.unmis.unmissions.org 11 Photo Gallery

Rafting on the White Nile A dozen people traveling in two inflatable rafts recently made a five-day voyage down the White Nile River, beginning just north of the State town of Nimule. An exploratory mission to assess prospects for developing adventure tourism attractions along the river, the expedition was led by veteran adventure tourism guides Peter Meredith and Jane Dicey of the Uganda-based African Rivers company. The guests included UNMIS Regional Coordinator for Southern Sudan David Gressly and Bedouin Hotel Managing Director Andrew Belcher. Among animals sighted during the trip were crocodiles, elephants and hippos. A native of Kenya who founded the firm Southern Sudan Affiliated Services when he moved to Juba in 2006, Mr. Belcher was instrumental in organizing the trip that started near Fulla Falls. The rafting party represented a wide cross-section of nationalities, including South Africa, Kenya, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Uganda and Liberia. At journey’s end in Juba, participants were enthusiastically welcomed ashore by Daniel Wani, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism in the Government of Southern Sudan.

Photo: Tim McKulka

12 Photo: Tim McKulka Photo Gallery

Photo: Isaac Gideon

Photo: Isaac Gideon

Photo:www.unmis.unmissions.org Tim McKulka 13 Children Reuniting families

he number of children on living on Juba streets could be over 300. reunification, especially if guardians are Southern Sudanese streets has The ministry’s Director General, Regina unable to provide basic care. been steadily rising, as cattle Ossa Lullo, explained that the regional Young Justine, for example, has T raids, intertribal fighting, hunger government had urged all southern states become a child labourer since returning or abuse drive these young people from to expedite their work in protecting children to his mother. The basic school student is their homes. and minimize what she described as an working as a stone crusher to pay for his In reversing this growing problem, the outbreak of children on streets across the upkeep and school fees. Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) region. “I used to study freely at the centre, has been working with the global Child Since 2009, the GoSS has trained over they paid for everything, but now I and my Protection Working Group since 2008 to 100 social workers who are expected to mother have to crush stones to pay for my trace these children and reunite them with provide care and counselling to children as school fees,” the boy said. “I have to do their parents. they await reunification. this hard work, so that I go to school.” The government-owned Juba Ms. Lullo added that state specific child Mr. Wajo said some guardians refused Orphanage in Central Equatoria State, protection working groups are tracing to take back their children, citing lack which has been struggling to cope with guardians of existing street children in all of shelter and basic needs like food, rising numbers and demands it places southern states. education and health, but accepted the on accommodation and food, is keen “Tracing is the most difficult process responsibility after pressure from state to reunite the children it can with their but with support from the international and governments. guardians. national partners we will overcome the Ms. Lullo said the GoSS was identifying The facility has accommodation for challenges,” Ms. Lullo added. empowerment tools for families to ensure 25-30 children, but is currently housing Lemi Justine is one of the tracing they were self-reliant and capable of 70 (24 girls and 46 boys), with newcomers success stories. The 13-year-old boy lived providing their children with basic needs. constantly arriving, according to at Juba Orphanage for six years before “As a government, we are planning Orphanage Director Abdul Wajo. he was finally reunited with his mother, to provide a long-term mind shift to our So far, 30 children from the orphanage Catherine Dudu, who works as a stone people so that they can prevent poverty have been reunited with their families in crusher in Jebel, just outside Juba town. and hunger, which send these children off Central Equatoria State, the director said. Tracing is only the first step, however, onto streets,” Ms. Lullo said. But many more young people are and no guarantee of successful still surviving on Juba streets. Figures Ojja Bosco are imprecise, but the GoSS Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare CAPTIONS: estimates that the number of children Left and right: Street children in Juba. Middle : Lemi Justine crushing stones at Jebel Kujur, Juba.

Photo: 14Isaac Gideon Photo: Ojja Bosco Photo: IsaacIn Sudan.UNMIS.June Gideon 2011 Secretary-General Report Ban reviews border issues, proposes southern mission

hile much has been the armed forces and the (SPLA) could “During a period when the security achieved during the escalate very quickly.” apparatus is set to undergo a difficult six years of Sudan’s [Only a few days after the report was transformation, South Sudan will W Comprehensive Peace published, the SAF took control of Abyei continue to face recurrent community Agreement (CPA), key security aspects town following repeated clashes in the based conflicts,” the report says. “The along the north-south common border area. During the first week of June, fighting Government of Southern Sudan will need have yet to be resolved, Secretary- broke out in Kadugli, Southern Kordofan, to address the lack of accountability, General (SG) Ban Ki-moon recently states and spread to surrounding areas. As In weak administration of justice and law in a special report. Sudan went to print, the security situation enforcement, and a deficient prison Remaining issues include “settlement of remained unstable in both locations.] system.” the Abyei question, popular consultations The report points to other outstanding The mission will also be tasked to on the future status of Southern Kordofan issues, including citizenship, external debt, support the government in building and Blue Nile states, and addressing the use and ownership of oil infrastructure and capacity to protect civilians, using political, issue of former Sudan People’s Liberation management of revenues. human rights, humanitarian, police, justice, Army (SPLA) troops from and in those two Mr. Ban also recommends that the correction and military tools. states,” the report says. Security Council consider establishing, “Where these efforts fail, and where Besides the parties’ “desire to control under Chapter VI of the UN Charter, a new Government security actors are unable to and protect oil- and mineral-rich areas as mission strongly focused on protection of protect civilians, it is recommended that well as strategic defensive locations”, other civilians, while maintaining that this is the the mission be authorized, under Chapter contentious issues include “access to sovereign responsibility of the government. VII of the Charter, to use force as a last water, agricultural schemes, grazing land, The new mission (whose suggested resort to protect civilians in imminent historical tribal boundaries and political name is UN Mission in South Sudan, threat of physical danger within its area constituencies”, according to the report. UNMISS) would build capacities and of deployment and capability,” the report Some of these should be tackled by support the government in human rights, says. popular consultations, a CPA-granted gender mainstreaming and, upon request, The mission, with a proposed military mechanism for Southern Kordofan and assist with the country’s first elections strength of 7,000, would be decentralized. Blue Nile states, but the process has been slated to happen within four years. The Juba office would be a strategic delayed and likely “will go beyond the To fall in line with the elections cycle, headquarters, engaging the government framework of the (CPA) and its timelines”, the mission’s deployment timelines are at the national level on policy issues. The the SG says. imagined to be on a four-year basis and majority of staff would be deployed across Complying with the CPA, armed reviewed annually. the 10 , including forces of the two parties to the accord – UNMISS would assist the South at the county level as required, says the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan Sudanese government in security sector proposal. People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) – agreed reform, demobilizing the SPLA and to redeploy respectively to north and south strengthening the South Sudan Police Displaced persons around UNMIS conepound, of the current borderline. However, full Service. Kadugli, Southern Kordofan State. Photo: Tina redeployment might not be completed Turyagyenda before the end of the interim period, the report says. Addressing the volatile situation in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, the Secretary-General says concerned parties are awaiting assurances about their concerns. “SPLA combatants in and from the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile are seeking guarantees that their grievances against Khartoum will be addressed in the post-Comprehensive Peace Agreement political and security environment of northern Sudan.” The report adds that militarization of these areas is a key source of tension. Coming to the issue of Abyei, the report states that the disputed area is the greatest challenge to CPA implementation. “These highly militarized areas represent a dangerous flashpoint where conflict between www.unmis.unmissions.org 15 Development Rich in promise

A look at Red Sea State he beautiful, turquoise waters of per cent is spent on development.” that Sudan would face a major oil revenue the Red Sea had ebbed by early Looking around the state capital of Port loss with separation of the south. June, leaving a large muddy area Sudan, one sees proof of infrastructural A teacher by profession, Mr. Ismail T between water and land, which development. Most of the town’s roads are made ends meet with freelance translation few members of large Sudanese families paved and relatively clean, as the use of jobs from Arabic to English, as he had arriving at Port Arus resort ventured close plastic bags has been banned in the state. failed to find a position at a public school to. About 50 per cent of the town’s and considered private school salaries “People here don’t care about the sea,” population of half a million now had access insufficient. said the resort’s dive master, who goes by to clean, piped water, thanks to a dam To get by, many unemployed Red Sea the name of Jungle. “They just come here built at a water source found in the area’s residents had opted for artisanal gold to eat and drink tea.” Arba’at mountains, the minister said. mining in the mountains or worked in the While the coral reefs of the Red Sea Electricity had been channelled to the local transportation business, he added. are famous for their unspoiled beauty and port town from the Marawi dam since “They drive taxis, tuktuks (rickshaws) schools of playful dolphins can be viewed 2009 and the main towns of the state’s 10 or buses, which they rent from the a 10-minute boat ride from the resort, localities had power through generators, government,” Mr. Ismail said. “Many of about 30 kilometres north of Port Sudan, added the minister. them have secondary education.” the number of divers remains limited. A looming concern remained, however, Officials recognize that the tourist Enthusiasts have increased recently, up that modernization of the port – also on industry could benefit the area. “Tourism is from about 2,630 divers in 2010 to some the agenda – would cost the jobs of some one factor of focus to generate more jobs,” 3,450 during the first half of this year, but 50,000 local labourers. State Minister of Tourism, Environment numbers are still low, said Khalid Sadan, With the lack of jobs in agriculture and and Wildlife Abdalla Kona said. deputy manager for tourism administration the service sector, this would compound But he added that some policies would at the state Ministry of Tourism, the already high unemployment rate that need revision to attract both investors and Environment and Wildlife. many residents complain about. tourists. These included reduced tourism In comparison, the east Egyptian coast Among the most highly populated fees and increased freedoms, like being is believed to receive at least one million states in Sudan, Red Sea has one of the allowed to take photos (for which one divers annually. lowest socio-economic indicators in the presently needs a government permit). But with its good roads and perfect country, according to the UN Development Some also claim that tourism may fail to mix of water and mountains, Red Sea Programme (UNDP). economically benefit the Beja, the state’s State appears to have all the makings of a UNDP put the state’s population at aboriginal residents. They are a nomadic popular tourist destination. 725,000 in 2005, but the information people, who traditionally herd camels and “The wali (governor) said tourism is minister said it had risen to 1.4 million by goats, Mr. Ismail said, and dislike change the state’s opportunity,” State Minister of this year. or accept it only very slowly. Information Nour Osham said in his Port “Nearly half of the state’s population When the British established Port Sudan office, adding that there were plans lives in Port Sudan city, making the urban Sudan in the early 1900s to accommodate to boost the sector. unemployment rate exceptionally high,” the increased port activity, which the old port When Mohamed Tahir Eila was UNDP website states. of Sawakin was unable to cope with, they appointed governor in 2005, he “People hope that after 9 July (when employed Sudanese from other regions, identified three main areas of long-term Southern Sudan is slated to officially according to Mr. Ismail. The Beja still found development, Mr. Osham said, including secede), things will change and South it hard to land jobs in offices of banks, the roads, electricity and water, which would Sudan will pay for using our refinery and army, police or state administration, he also benefit tourism. port,” state resident Ali Ismail said in one added. “Before, some 80 per cent of the of Port Sudan’s few cafés. state budget was spent on government He added that many were hoping for Story and photos: expenditure and only 20 on development,” more development, better education and Eszter Farkas the information minister said, “but now 70 health care, neglecting to acknowledge

16 In Sudan.UNMIS.June 2011 Development

CAPTIONS: Top: Men working with fish in Port Sudan. Right: Fresh fish at Port Sudan’s new market.

Bottom: Shaded dining area of Port Arus resort on Red Sea.

www.unmis.unmissions.org 17 Security Wave of violence Conflict erupts in Southern Kordofan ust a month after Southern Kordofan “The elections should not be a Political disagreement and recent State’s delayed elections took place, make-or-break process,” said Special violence seem to jeopardize the already violence between forces allied with the Representative of the Secretary-General delayed, last outstanding element of the J parties to the 2005 peace agreement Haile Menkerios, while visiting the state CPA -- popular consultations. broke out and spread across its before elections kicked off. “This is a state The peace agreement granted popular localities. where supporters of both (parties) exist. It consultations, a complex and according to At dawn of 5 June, fighting broke out should not be a winner-takes-all election.” some Sudan analysts, weak mechanism, in Kadugli town when gunmen looted a Polling kicked off on 2 May, and the to both Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan police station and stole arms. Hours later, situation remained calm as ballot counting states to review whether CPA provisions a firefight broke out some 40 kilometres was completed in constituencies and have been properly fulfilled. southeast of the capital in Um Durrein. results were brought to the State High Stalled in Blue Nile State, popular The next day serious clashes began Committee (SHC) in Kadugli. consultations failed to kick off in Southern between the Sudan People’s Liberation But tension then began to mount, with Kordofan due to the lagging elections. Army (SPLA) and Sudan Armed Forces the SPLM contesting new methods of Instead, people’s worst fears came to pass (SAF) in Kadugli, causing residents to flee aggregation introduced by the SHC and when violence broke out in the state. the area by the thousands. staging several walk-outs that delayed As In Sudan went to print, an estimated “With fighting going on, all I could think announcement of the results, scheduled 53,000 people were displaced from the of was saving my life and my child’s. I don’t for 8 May. Kadugli town was suddenly state and unknown numbers dead or know if (my husband) is alive or dead,” awash with armed forces from both sides missing. Aerial bombardments were taking said Zahia Mugadan, who walked more and businesses in the capital closed, place at various locations and fighting had than 17 kilometres from Drjatalta village afraid that fighting might start. spread to 11 of the state’s 19 localities. to a protected area established by UNMIS On 15 May, the National Elections Humanitarian agencies strove to adjacent to its compound. Commission announced National provide assistance, in spite of tough Women and babies cried as two jet Congress Party (NCP) candidate Ahmed conditions, including closure of the Kadugli fighters flew over the protected site in the Haroun as governor, with 33 legislative airport by SAF and lack of access to morning of 8 June, disappearing into the State National Assembly seats going to agency warehouses. mountains and then returning shortly after. the NCP and 21 to the SPLM. In a statement on 11 June, Secretary- “We’ve never seen this before,” said a However, SPLM candidate Abdulaziz General Ban Ki-moon warned about the displaced person, Khamis Aldugal. “Even al-Hilu maintained that the election was deterioration of the security situation in the war before, it was not like this,” he rigged. He has been widely quoted in the and escalation of fighting in Southern added, shaking his head. media as saying that his party does not Kordofan, and called “on all concerned Despite some socio-economic progress recognize the results or the authority that to cease hostilities and provide their full achieved over the past few years, many they ushered into power. cooperation to UNMIS and humanitarian analysts have considered Southern But Ahmed Haroun seemed determined agencies in addressing the needs of Kordofan a tinderbox with its divided to set up and run the new government affected civilians”. political forces and large number of without the SPLM. State council members, residents still carrying guns. interpreting the constitution, said that if Tina Turyagyenda Although state elections were finally those elected to the state assembly (on held in early May (due to contested 2008 the SPLM ticket) did not attend the first census results for the state), the outcome five sessions, their membership would be was debated by the Sudan People’s cancelled and a new election for these Displaced persons gathered around UNMIS Liberation Movement (SPLM). seats organized. compound in Kadugli. Photo: Paul Banks.

18 In Sudan.UNMIS.June 2011 News Briefs NEWS BRIEFS

Sudanese Vice-President Ali Osman Taha and Foreign Minister Peacekeepers’ day Ali Karti, the meetings were cancelled. “This was an unfortunate and regrettable opportunity missed observed across Sudan by the Government of Sudan to share with the Security Council its perspective on what is clearly a very worrying crisis that has evolved,” said US Permanent Representative to the UN Susan Rice. She added that the council regretted that it had had no opportunity to hear the government’s view on a successor mission to UNMIS after 9 July. Constitution-making forum discusses key issues

Government and civil society members discussed key issues that Sudan’s new constitution should embrace during a two-day forum in Khartoum that ended on 25 May. The forum, organized by UNMIS and several UN agencies UNMIS observed International Day of UN Peacekeepers, as well as the national Advisory Council for Human Rights, globally marked on 29 May, over several days with medical aimed at supporting the constitution-making process in Sudan camps, tree planting and a medal award ceremony in various by examining experiences of other countries and discussing key Sudanese towns. issues in the Sudanese context. In the State capital of , peacekeepers’ The Bill of Rights, included in Sudan’s Interim Constitution of day was marked at the SOS Children’s Village on 29 May, 2005, protection of minorities, fundamental rights of individuals, where 92 orphans received free medical examination and form of governance, distribution of wealth and peaceful transfer vaccinations as a collaborative effort by the State Ministry of of power were some elements that needed attention, said Health, UNMIS and UNICEF. Presidential Advisor Badria Suleiman. The Khartoum and Abyei offices celebrated by reading the The new constitution, to take effect presumably in the years Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message marking the day, following the interim period of the Comprehensive Peace and with a medal award ceremony. Agreement (CPA), should build on previous constitutions Marking the day in on 30 May, of Sudan and presidential decrees as well as the CPA, the State, the UNMIS Bangladeshi contingent cleared land Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement, the Darfur Peace Agreement allocated by local authorities for the resettlement of 101 and comparative experiences, noted Secretary General of the returnee households. National Council for Training Omer Awadallah. In Wau, Western Bahr El-Ghazal State, a procession of Mr. Awadallah emphasized that language, faith and culture UNMIS staff and residents led by the local police band marched should be considered in the constitution, embracing diversity. from Freedom Square to the town stadium on 30 May, and in On the form of governance and possible decentralization, he the Jonglei capital of Bor, UNMIS planted 66 different species said that a “balance between authority of each state and a of trees. central power should be maintained”. In Eastern Equatoria State on 30 May, UNMIS planted trees at Secondary School and held a free medical camp together with the State Ministry of Health. Lidder visits Jonglei State In recent months, over 40 UN peacekeepers have lost their lives while serving in Afghanistan, Haiti, Cote d’Ivoire, the Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General Democratic Republic of the Congo and Darfur. for Sudan (DSRSG) Jasbir Lidder visited Jonglei State on 11 May, where he met senior state government representatives and discussed rising insecurity as well as the deteriorating Security Council: Forces humanitarian situation. must withdraw from In recent months, Jonglei has experienced widespread insecurity caused by inter-community cattle rustling. According Abyei to the UN, more than 45 inter-communal attacks and cattle raids attributed to armed Murle tribesmen occurred during the Members of the UN Security Council on 22 May called on first quarter of 2011. the Sudanese government during a four-day visit to Sudan to DSRSG Lidder said the purpose of his visit was to review halt its military operations and withdraw immediately from the current challenges and how the UN, state and county Abyei area, which was seized on 21 May. authorities can improve their collaboration. Council members also deplored the unilateral dissolution Governor Kuol Manyang said that cattle rustling, armed of the Abyei administration, calling for it to be reestablished by civilians, rebel militia groups, ill-equipped security forces mutual agreement. and poor roads as well as communication infrastructure were Although the council had been scheduled to speak with among the biggest security challenges facing the state. www.unmis.unmissions.org 19