HIGHLIGHTS
SOUTHERN SUDAN
- Disarmament begins in Nasser, a Jikany Nuer area - Jonglei State
- SSRRC Bor County reports 1,441 individuals IDPs due to conflicts in Awerial County in Lakes State Jonglei State
- Kala-Azar response continues in Old Fangak, but nutrition needs remain serious - Jonglei State
- Kala-Azar preparedness begin in Unity amidst threat of import from Upper Nile and Jonglei State - Unity State
TRANSITIONAL AREAS
- H.E. the Foreign Minister of the Government of National Unity meets with UN in Abyei - pg. 1
ABYEI
Visit of the Foreign Minister to Abyei: On Dec 1, H.E. the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity, Deng Alor, visited Abyei. During his visit he met with UN representatives to discuss challenges faced by the international community in the Abyei area. The Foreign Minister informed on a Referendum Commission, which is jointly chaired by GoSS Vice President, Dr. Reik Machar, and Second Vice President of NCP, Ali Osman Taha. The commission shall monitor the enactment of the security law including the Abyei referendum law in addition to public consultation in South Sudan referendum including South Kordofan and Blue Nile States. He also pointed out that the NCP and SPLM views on the Abyei referendum differ. There are yet unsolved issues, i.e. the voter eligibility in the referendum. The Minister reiterated that the GoSS encourages return to Abyei, but recognized the pressure on the limited capacity of the area and appealed to the UN to support the process through enhancing the health, FSL, education and water in addition to security.
The UN highlighted critical challenges as: restrictions of UNMIS movement beyond PCA area, lack of higher political commitment to effectively execute the provisions of the CPA including the Abyei border decision, the lack of capacity of senior members of the Abyei Administration, and poor coordination between HAC and SSRRC, all of that making it difficult for UN and partners to deliver assistance. At present, the area is not prepared for a full scale return to sustain the return process in safety and dignity.
In a public speech, the Foreign Minister called on the people to avoid issues of conflict as this will not persuade IDPs to return. He also encouraged people to register to ensure their right to vote in the coming election.
Seasonal movement of Misseriya and Dinka Ngok: The seasonal migration of the Misseriya nomads has reached Tejalei and Leu areas moving South East of Abyei while the Dinka Ngok nomadic migrants are reported to have reached Merkeer area. The migration this year commenced earlier compared to the past migration seasons due to scarcity of rains in the north with drought and expected crop failure while the south experienced late rain with longer periods and richer pastures.
Increased organized returns: In response to the increase of organized returns (approx. 2,600 by Dec 9), UN agencies and partners are verifying the humanitarian needs of the return and prepare for responding. On Dec 5 IOM trained a total of 21 enumerators for tracking spontaneous returns into Abyei. The trainees will participate in village assessments identified by SSRRC/HAC.
Strengthening Food Security: A team from SNV (Dutch Development Organization) is currently assessing livestock. The teams are visiting cattle camps in addition to potential areas for vegetable farming. In addition GOAL established a demonstration farm in Mabok.