South Sudan Situation Report, 2 Aug 2019

Highlights

• Fighting triggers new displacement in Maiwut, Upper Nile
• 22,000 internally displaced people from Wau PoC site returned to Wau town and other locations since 2018
• Malaria cases increased as rainy season intensified across South Sudan
• High-level delegation led by the Humanitarian Coordinator visits Yei to see
• Ebola preparedness and response efforts Ebola preparedness and response activities heighten as a case is confirmed near the South Sudan border
• Fighting triggers new displacement in Maiwut, Upper Nile

Fighting triggers new displacement in Maiwut, Upper Nile

Fighting in Maiwut town and surrounding areas has forced people to flee their homes and triggered the relocation of humanitarian workers, causing suspension of the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance.

From 31 July to 5 August, clashes were reported between the Cie-Wau clan and opposition forces. Civilians fled to villages around Maiwut town, some of which were already flooded by heavy rains. At least 10 humanitarian workers were relocated for safety reasons.

Unconfirmed reports put the number of displaced people at 10,000. Humanitarians have said more than 25,000 people could be affected if fighting carries on. Maiwut and surrounding areas host a significant population of refugee returnees and people already displaced.

Looting of civilian properties and humanitarian compounds were reported. Local authorities are mediating with the groups, and reassured civilians that they would be safe if they returned home. Humanitarians are advocating for access to the area to allow delivery of assistance and safety for workers.

22,000 internally displaced people from Wau PoC site returned to Wau town and other locations since 2018

Since the beginning of 2018, a significant number of internally displaced people have left Wau Protection of Civilians (PoC) site to return to their homes due to relatively improved security in most parts of Western Bahr el Ghazal.

On 27 July, IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix, with support from other UN agencies and UNMISS, conducted a biometric registration in Wau PoC site. The team reported that nearly 13,000 displaced people, out of around 35,000 people registered at the site in 2018, currently live there.

The result confirmed that some 22,000 people left the PoC site to Wau town and other locations, including Deim Zubeir and Raja, since the beginning of 2018.

Humanitarian organizations plan to verify and register returnees who have gone back to their places of origin and provide assistance, depending on needs and vulnerability. Health care, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene, education and protection, which are already available in Wau town, are among the assistance that will be provided.

The community leaders at the site said the findings will improve the provision of balanced humanitarian assistance and equitable use of resources to the IDPs and returnees in Wau County.

As of 25 July, the total number of civilians seeking safety in six PoC sites across the country was 182,026.