Attachments
**Highlights
-
On 28 February, a Force Protection peacekeeper traveling with WFP’s second convoy to Northern Jonglei was shot at during an ambush.
-
The Abyei Administrative Area (AAA) saw an increase in violence on 5-6 March and WFP operations are suspended.
-
WFP urgently continues road repair works to reopen the flooded road that connects Bentiu to the Main Supply Route, which is critical to ensure humanitarians can bring in supplies to support nearly 200,000 people in need of assistance whom were cut off due to the flooding.
-
Through the Urban Safety Net programme, more than 35 trainees graduated from the vocational programme in tailoring and electricity.
Situation Update
• Tensions remain in Jonglei and on 28 February, a Force Protection peacekeeper traveling with WFP’s second convoy to Northern Jonglei was shot at during an ambush. The convoy was able to deliver supplies and is now safely back in Bor. This route is critical due to the blockade at Anyidi, which since 21 January has denied access of commercial/humanitarian supplies to the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA), therefore, WFP is engaging for regular escorts along this route to support prepositioning • Central Unity State remains volatile after the attack in Leer County on 24 February, which resulted in the looting of WFP commodities from Mirmir. Despite a lull in clashes over the past week, WFP will continue to closely monitor the conflict dynamics to assess the potential impact on ongoing operations given the unpredictable security environment which will affect WFP’s access.
• Tensions persist along the boundary areas between the Ruweng Administrative Area (RAA) and Unity State relating to cattle movements. The ongoing dispute has impacted WFP operations, as youth threatened movement of WFP supplies from Sudan through the RAA to Bentiu. WFP is working to identify alternative access points, as well as engaging with all sides.
• The Abyei Administrative Area (AAA) saw a significant increase in violence on 5-6 March and the situation has deteriorated since fighting first broke out on 10 February regarding longstanding border disputes. A cooperating partner’s security guard was fatally shot while fleeing fighting near WFP’s warehouse. WFP’s emergency response has consequently been put on hold due to the pervading insecurity.
• Violence in Central Equatoria raises concerns for humanitarian space. In Lainya County, at least 53 civilians were attacked in Kupera Payam on 27 February. The following day a clearly marked NGO convoy was attacked on the Yei-Maridi Road.