HIGHLIGHTS
SOUTHERN SUDAN
- Displacement figures remain high in Jonglei State
- Concerning figures of tuberculosis in Unity State
- Reportedly, 100 LRA fighters surrendered in WES
TRANSITIONAL AREAS
- Concerns in Abyei about lack of basic services
- Lack of implementing partners in Abyei is feared to affect humanitarian action
Other issues:
- Voter registration finalized in all states
- 109,561 in Blue Nile are feared to suffer from water shortage
ABYEI
Abyei authorities rely heavily on UN and partners for support to the communities particularly in the delivery of humanitarian assistance and to maintain peace. Nonetheless, movements of the UN were blocked by residents at Makenis market, where they demanded money and that the UN resolves their lack of basic services and infrastructure, suggesting that otherwise the UN might as well pack and leave the area. In addition to these frustrations over unfulfilled expectations, Misseriya groups remain strongly concerned about border demarcations. A joint mission including the JIU, the administration, SPLA/M, SAF, JIPU, and UNMIS Civilian Units to Um Kheir will be launched to renew the dialogue addressing those concerns. Meanwhile, the situation along the migration routes requires extended monitoring.
Dutch Ambassador calls for protection of civilians and reform of administration: The Dutch Ambassador visited Abyei during the week and reiterated the need on the part of the authorities to protect the citizens of Abyei and to also reform the structure of the administration. These are essential aspects for donor supports to the administration.
Voter registration concluded: The voter registration ended on 7th December. There are allegations claiming an over-proportional registration of Misseriya.
Nomadic migration: Pastoralists movements especially across the River Kiir remain disputed. A demand to halt movements across the river until the planned Dinka-Misseriya conference was rejected resolutely by Misseriya.
Government-organized returns: The inter-agency verification of the nine target villages of the returnees of November 24 was completed. WFP povided 1,105 returnees with food assistance. Further approx. 500 returnees arrived in Abyei area on December 10.
HUMANITARIAN DEVELOPMENTS
Humanitarian Access: Access is still a problem particularly in the northern part of Abyei. The presence of armed Misseriya at Um Khier and the oil police in Diffra inhibits access to those locations. UNMIS Sector VI movement is confined to PCA area, which limits range of monitoring and delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Lack of Humanitarian Partners: Save the Children (Sweden) is going to terminate the food distribution agreement with WFP by end of December 2009. So far, there is no other partner to implement food distribution for 2010. Also, by mid December, NPA is going to end its operations in Abyei. Reliable implementing partners are urgently needed.