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Sudan – Complex Emergency

Situation Report #13, - (FY) 2009 September 30, 2009

How You Can Help
Click here for a list of non-profit organizations that currently receive USAID funds and accept contributions to help the Sudanese people.

Background

In 2009, Sudan continues to cope with the effects of conflict, displacement, and insecurity countrywide. Since 2003, a complex emergency in Sudan’s western region of Darfur has affected more than 4.7 million people, including nearly 2.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). In Darfur, conflict continues among armed opposition factions, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), militias, and ethnic groups. According to the U.N., between January and mid-May 2009, violence newly displaced approximately 137,000 individuals in Darfur. Simultaneously, humanitarian agencies have experienced reduced access to affected populations since 2006 due to increased insecurity, targeted attacks against aid workers, and bureaucratic impediments to program implementation.

The National Congress Party (NCP) and the southern-based Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) continue to implement the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) through the joint Government of National Unity (GNU). The formation of the GNU officially ended more than two decades of north–south conflict. During the conflict, famine, fighting, and disease killed more than 2 million people, forced an estimated 500,000 Sudanese to seek refuge in neighboring countries, and displaced an additional 4 million individuals within Sudan. The U.N. estimates that since 2005, more than 2.2 million people have returned to Southern Sudan and the Three Areas of Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile, and Abyei, straining scarce resources and weak infrastructure. In eastern Sudan, the GNU and the Eastern Front opposition coalition signed the Eastern Sudan Peace Agreement in 2006. However, humanitarian needs persist in the area, which has experienced slow recovery following decades of conflict.

Since March 2009, humanitarian agencies have encountered reduced access to affected populations in Darfur and the Three Areas following the GNU-mandated expulsion of 13 international organizations and closure of three national humanitarian agencies. Remaining humanitarian organizations, in coordination with the Sudanese government, have initiated numerous short-term measures and expanded existing programs and areas of operation to prevent a rapid deterioration of humanitarian conditions in northern Sudan.

The U.S. Government (USG) is the largest bilateral donor to Sudan and has contributed approximately $4.5 billion for humanitarian programs in Sudan and eastern Chad since FY 2004. The USG continues to support the implementation of the CPA and joins the international community in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Darfur. On October 16, 2008, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Alberto M. Fernandez renewed the disaster declaration for the complex emergency in Sudan for FY 2009.

NUMBERS AT A GLANCE
IDP's in Sudan
From Southern Sudan 2.7 million UNHCR1 – 10/08
In Darfur 2.7 million OCHA – 01/09
In Eastern Sudan 168,000 U.N – 09/07
Sudanese Refugees
From Darfur 268,000 UNHCR – 6/09
From Southern Sudan 138,270 UNHCR – 2/09
Returnees to Southern Sudan 327,984 UNHCR – 8/09
Refugees in Sudan
From Eritrea, Chad, Ethiopia, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and other nations: 280,000 UNHCR – 06/09

FY 2009 HUMANITARIAN FUNDING PROVIDED TO DATE
USAID/OFDA Assistance to Sudan and eastern Chad $149,652,775
USAID/FFP3 Assistance to Sudan and eastern Chad $680,331,500
State/PRM4 Assistance to Sudan and eastern Chad $106,966,751
Total USAID and State Humanitarian Assistance to Sudan and eastern Chad $936,951,026
1 Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
2 U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
3 USAID’s Office of Food for Peace (USAID/FFP)
4 U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (State/PRM)

CURRENT SITUATION IN DARFUR

Insecurity and attacks targeting humanitarian workers continue to hinder the provision of humanitarian assistance to affected populations in Darfur. Relief agencies continue to monitor food security, access to safe drinking water, and population movement throughout Darfur and to provide food and non-food assistance to affected populations.

On September 12 and 13 the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Major General J. Scott Gration (Ret.), visited Abu Shouk and Zam Zam IDP camps, as well as Ain Siro village and El Fasher town in North Darfur to meet with IDP leaders, women, humanitarian agencies, and the African Union–U.N. Hybrid Operations in Darfur (UNAMID) Force Commander.

Security and Humanitarian Access

Attacks on relief workers continue to impede humanitarian access throughout the three Darfur states. Between January 1 and September 28, assailants killed 7 national humanitarian staff and 4 UNAMID personnel, assaulted 26 humanitarian and 5 UNAMID staff, and kidnapped 11 national humanitarian staff, according to OCHA. In addition, bandits attacked 103 humanitarian facilities and 22 UNAMID structures, and confiscated 64 humanitarian and 31 UNAMID vehicles.

During August and September, several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) postponed assessment missions to Zalingei town, West Darfur, due to security concerns following the August kidnapping of two UNAMID international staff. As of September 30, two international staff members from the NGO GOAL, kidnapped nearly three months ago, and two UNAMID international staff members remained hostage.

On September 17, the U.N. reported that the SAF had attacked armed opposition group Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) strongholds in Korma village, located approximately 70 km northwest of El Fasher, North Darfur. On September 29, the North Darfur State governor reported a calm security situation in North Darfur. As of September 30, humanitarian staff remain without regular access to Korma; however, U.N. staff recently assessed conditions in nearby Tawilla, reporting food and nonfood item needs for populations newly displaced from Korma. Humanitarian staff continue to coordinate a potential response noting that staff cannot assess the extent of displacement and humanitarian needs without increased access to the affected area.

Food Security and Emergency Food Assistance

On September 28, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) published the organization’s Third Round of Food Security Monitoring System (FSMS) Reports, following FSMS assessments during August. According to the reports, food consumption is stable and food security has increased throughout Darfur, with the exception of host communities in West Darfur that remain food-insecure due to significant food price increases, high market dependency, and poor seasonal rains. Daily labor opportunities and the commencement of the agricultural season have improved income for host and IDP communities in North and South Darfur. In West Darfur, income levels remain stable in IDP camps but have decreased for local host communities. WFP noted that the overall food security situation has improved in North and South Darfur, as well as West Darfur IDP camps, but deteriorated in West Darfur host communities.

Humanitarian partners continue to provide food assistance to affected populations in Darfur. To date in FY 2009, USAID/FFP has provided more than $405 million in food assistance to conflict-affected populations in Darfur.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Humanitarian organizations continue to provide safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene services to populations throughout Darfur. Relief agencies focus particular attention on highly populated areas that experience added strain on existing resources, including the local water table and hygiene facilities.

Humanitarian staff continue to express concern regarding the deterioration of sanitation and hygiene services in Kass-area IDP camps in South Darfur. The March NGO expulsions resulted in the departure of all but one NGO working in Kass-area camps, seriously disrupting provision of basic humanitarian services. Since the expulsions, the GNU Office of Water and Environmental Sanitation (WES), in cooperation with the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has worked to provide basic water and sanitation services; however, WES lacks adequate sanitation and hygiene capacity. USAID/OFDA has provided funding to support two NGOs in commencing water, sanitation, and hygiene projects in Kass-area IDP camps in the coming weeks. The Kass area hosts an estimated 90,000 IDPs in 37 settlement sites and is home to approximately 35,000 host community residents.

On August 31, GNU WES reported significant groundwater depletion in Al Salaam, Abu Shouk, and Zam Zam IDP camps and noted that the camps are located in drought-prone areas of North Darfur. However, an additional joint UNICEF–WES assessment in Zam Zam IDP camp indicated that preexisting boreholes in the camp provided sufficient water for the existing population and that additional water tankering was no longer necessary. A joint UNICEF–WES water quality test in nearby El Fasher town indicated the contamination of a majority of open wells as of late August 2009. A UNICEF, North Darfur State Ministry of Health, U.N. World Health Organization (WHO), and WES team plans to monitor the application of chlorine in all open wells in El Fasher town to ensure acceptable water quality standards.

In FY 2009, USAID/OFDA has provided approximately $13.7 million to support water, sanitation, and hygiene programs throughout Darfur.

Population Movement and Returns

On September 15, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) signed a Terms of Engagement with the South Darfur Humanitarian Aid Commission. The Terms of Engagement affirms IOMs primary role in monitoring population movements and verifying the voluntary and appropriate nature of returns in North and South Darfur. The new agreement will permit IOM to resume South Darfur population tracking and returns verification activities suspended since February.

From August 31 to September 4, IOM conducted a second verification exercise of IDPs in Zam Zam IDP camp and nearby Dar Al Salaam town in North Darfur. The initial verification identified 17,000 people currently residing in the Zam Zam IDP camp extension, including recent arrivals from Dar Al Salaam town. IOM completed verification of all 2009 IDP arrivals to the camp and plans to share the final figures in coming weeks. The Zam Zam IDP camp received an influx of approximately 30,000 IDPs in early 2009, requiring a camp extension.

CURRENT SITUATION IN SUDAN, EXCLUDING DARFUR

During September, humanitarian organizations expressed concern regarding increasing inter-ethnic conflict in Southern Sudan, noting a rise in attacks on women and children, as well as the targeting of homesteads. From September 14 to 20, USAID staff met with humanitarian partners operating in Southern Sudan to discuss the current situation and prospects for the future. Partners noted that escalating insecurity has adversely affected program implementation. According to the U.N., inter-ethnic conflict in Jonglei, Upper Nile, and Lakes states has killed more than 2,000 people and displaced approximately 250,000 others since January 2009.

In addition, members of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) have continued to attack civilian populations in Southern Sudan, particularly in border towns near DRC. According to the U.N. Deputy Resident Humanitarian Coordinator for Southern Sudan, LRA attacks have killed more than 180 people in Southern Sudan since late July.

From September 9 to 11, the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan, Major General J. Scott Gration (Ret.), visited Juba, Central Equatoria State, to participate in trilateral talks with SPLM and NCP. On September 17, USAID staff and additional donor representatives visited Akobo County, Jonglei State and noted increasing food needs among the local population. According to WFP, Akobo County hosts approximately 42,000 IDPs, including more than 20,000 people displaced due to inter-ethnic fighting in recent months.

Security and Humanitarian Access

Ongoing inter-ethnic and LRA violence continues to impede humanitarian access to affected populations throughout Southern Sudan. On September 20, members of the Lou Nuer ethnic group launched an attack against Dinka ethnic group members in Duk Padiet and Duk Payuel villages, located approximately 145 km north of Bor town, Jonglei State. According to international media sources, the clashes killed 102 people, including 51 civilians. On September 30, the U.N. reduced the security level in Duk Padiet to Security Level 3, reflecting an improved security environment. As of September 30, nearby Duk Payuet remains at Security Level 4, designating the area as nogo for humanitarian organizations.

According to the U.N., the LRA has carried out 11 attacks since early August, including seven attacks on civilian populations in Southern Sudan, particularly near Yambio, Western Equatoria State, in September, causing population displacement. Officials note particular concern regarding numerous kidnappings in Western Equatoria State, which hosts more than 70,000 IDPs. Humanitarian organizations report that the LRA has abducted 137 individuals in Western Equatoria State since January 2009.

During September, UNHCR staff reported ongoing discussions with the Western Equatoria State governor and Government of Southern Sudan officials regarding security operations and the potential relocation of refugee populations from Ezo, Tambura, and Yubo areas. Due to insecurity, Ezo town will likely remain inaccessible to U.N. staff until October at the earliest, and UNHCR has requested weekly monitoring trips to the area in the interim. USAID/OFDA and State/PRM staff continue to monitor the situation.

Agriculture and Food Security

According to USAID’s Famine Early Warning Systems Network, a mid-August joint Government of Sudan–U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) crop assessment confirmed that below-normal May–August rains have negatively impacted crop performance across Southern Sudan. In addition, annual September–December flooding in Southern Sudan may increase potential for yield reduction, especially for crops delayed by below-normal rains.

WFP continues to support food insecure populations in Southern Sudan. Between August and December, WFP emergency operations target 300,000 severely food insecure people in the most vulnerable states in Southern Sudan. In total, WFP plans to provide 102,000 metric tons (MT) of food to 1.3 million people in Southern Sudan during 2009.

During a recent USAID field visit, WFP reported that poor crop harvests and insecurity resulting in displacement and crop abandonment have increased the number of people in Jonglei State in need of full food rations through December from approximately 508,000 to an estimated 674,000 individuals. Of the 166,000 additional people targeted for food aid in Jonglei State, humanitarian agencies are unable to reach 122,000 people by land and plan to access the population via riverine transport or through airdrops.

On September 16, WFP barges delivered the first shipment of food aid along the Sobat River to Akobo County, Jonglei State, since attacks on WFP transport in mid-June led to the suspension of all river traffic. USAID staff visited Akobo County on September 17 and noted the arrival of commercial goods to Akobo town. However, on September 17, fear of an imminent attack prevented beneficiaries from collecting rations during a scheduled WFP food distribution in Akobo County, which was subsequently cancelled.

Nutrition

According to WFP, chronic food insecurity, underdevelopment, and sporadic conflict have contributed to increasing malnutrition rates in eastern Sudan particularly in Kassala and Red Sea states. Eastern Sudan also hosts substantial displaced populations, including approximately 116,000 refugees and an estimated 77,000 IDPs.

To improve food security in eastern Sudan, USAID/OFDA supported FAO in distributing 140 MT of sorghum and millet seeds, 1,760 kg of vegetable seeds, and assorted agricultural tools to eastern Sudan households during the 2009 planting season. FAO also implemented animal restocking activities targeting 100 pastoralist families, particularly female-headed households. Beneficiary households noted an increased ability to provide milk to children since project commencement.

Floods

Unusually heavy rainfall in late August resulted in widespread flooding in Khartoum State, particularly affecting Soba Aradi, Mayo, Jebel Aulia, and other informal settlements largely occupied by IDPs from Southern Sudan and Darfur. According to a joint Sudanese government–humanitarian organization assessment, the recent flooding affected more than 22,000 households and damaged or destroyed approximately 6,700 latrines. In addition, local media reports indicated that rainstorms had killed at least 14 people and caused the collapse of approximately 68 schools. On September 6, the Khartoum State Ministry of Health requested humanitarian assistance to respond to public health concerns due to damaged and flooded latrines.

On September 23, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Robert E. Whitehead declared a disaster due to the effects of flooding in Khartoum State, northern Sudan. USAID/OFDA provided $50,000 through USAID/Sudan to Catholic Relief Services (CRS) to support water, sanitation, and hygiene activities in affected areas of Khartoum.

Population Movement and Returns

During July and August, IOM registered nearly 104,000 IDP returnees to Southern Sudan. More than half of the individuals registered had returned to Central Equatoria and Northern Bahr El Ghazal states. Four late-August IOM village assessment reports indicated that an estimated 200,000 returnees experienced secondary displacement due to lack of access to basic services and facilities such as safe drinking water, healthcare, and education. In total, IOM has recorded nearly 1.1 million spontaneous IDP returns since February 2007. In FY 2009, USAID has provided approximately $400,000 to IOM to support the returns tracking program in Southern Sudan.

As of September 6, UNHCR and OCHA reported that LRA violence had displaced approximately 85,000 people, including nearly 67,000 people displaced primarily in Western Equatoria State and an estimated 18,000 refugees from DRC and Central African Republic residing in Western Equatoria and Central Equatoria states.

In FY 2009, USAID has provided approximately $480,000 to IOM for the provision of emergency relief supplies to people affected by LRA violence, as well as more than $1.1 million to World Vision for health, economic recovery and market systems, protection, and agriculture and food security activities. State/PRM has provided $750,000 to World Vision and $984,000 to United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) for refugee assistance in Western Equatoria State and has contributed to UNHCR’s refugee response in the region.

USAID Sudan Strategy Statement (pdf,469kb)

USAID Monthly Update - October 2009 (pdf,505kb)

 

 

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