Good seasonal progression in the Bi-modal and Guinean - Sudanian zones

KEY MESSAGES

• Normal to above - normal rainfall levels fell over the southwestern corner of the region (Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Guinea Bissau), marking a timely onset of the rains in this part of West Africa .

1) The delayed onset of the March-May rainfall has negatively impacted ground conditions over the Belg-producing areas of northern Ethiopia. Despite an increase in rain since mid-April, the accumulated rainfall has remained below-average. Limited rain is forecast over the area during the next outlook period, likely maintaining rainfall deficits.

UNHCR operational context

• On 22 May, President Ouattara presided over the Council of Ministers in Abidjan. Several decrees were approved, including two related to the ratification of the 1954 Convention on the status of the stateless persons and the 1961 Convention on the reduction of statelessness. The last step is the adoption of law by the National Assembly authorizing the President of the Republic to ratify the Conventions.

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

An insufficient rain since the start of the season has resulted in abnormal dryness across parts of northern Nigeria.

1) Despite an increase in rainfall since mid-April, the delayed onset or seasonal rainfall has led to unfavorable ground conditions for the northeastern Belg-producing areas of Ethiopia. The erratic nature of the seasonal rains has negatively impacted cropping activities, likely resulting in below-average crop yields.

WASHINGTON, May 30, 2013 – The World Bank Board of Executive Directors today approved two International Development Association (IDA)* credits totaling US$45 million to support the Government of Liberia’s new strategy to expand electricity coverage by 2030, as well as improve maternal health, child health and infectious disease services in Liberia.