Sudan: UNJLC Darfur Bulletin 64, 20 Jun 2005

1. Security

North Darfur: On 10 June, truck drivers reported the hijacking of 3 trucks in Kebkabiya by unidentified gunmen. (Source: United Nations Sudan Situation Report 12 June)

INGOs have suspended operations in the Amu Valley, (Kutum-Fonu area), due to ongoing incidents of skirmishing and animal theft between the SLA and Arab militias. (Source: UNSDD)

South Darfur: On June 11 a CARE contracted transporter was robbed of personal effects, near the village of Marla, en route from El Obeid to Nyala. UNJLC requests any information relating to the incident.

Recent fighting between Marla and Hijeer villages resulted in NGOs inability to gain access to the area from 7 - 12 June.

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) continue to assess the three main truck routes for UN movement. The following corridors remain UN No-Go: (Source: UNDSS)

Nyala – Manawashi – El Fasher

Nyala – Kass – Nertitie – Zallingi – El Geneina

Nyala – Labado – Muhajaria – Ed Daen

West Darfur: No incidents have been reported on the major supply routes to El Geneina from El Fasher and Nyala and all routes remain UN GO. More incidents were reported on the road from El Geneina to Habilla. The alternative route of El Geneina – Sisi – Monei – Habilla is therefore recommended for those travelling to Habilla.

2. COMMON NFI PIPELINE

6 June marked the first delivery of 2,300 bales (11,500 pcs) of UNICEF-procured plastic sheeting in El Obied. CARE employed cross-loading to expedite delivery to Nyala.

North Darfur: Jerry cans in stock are of the collapsible variety. (Source: UNJLC)

UNJLC/CARE have: provided transport for IRC to dispatch 50MT of metal bars for shelter kits to the new Al-Salam camp; dispatched 500 MT of seeds and tools to Um Kedada, Korma, Dar El Salam, Allied, Al-Tawisha plus Haskanita and Uzban in SLA area. (Source: UNJLC)

The last batch of IOM-procured mosquito nets was dispatched to El Fasher on 7 June. (Source: IOM/UNJLC)

South Darfur: UNJLC released full NFI basket distributions to ARC for IDP camps in the Burum locality and three villages in the south/southeast region of Nyala, covered by Samaritan’s Purse.

All UNICEF plus the IOM stock of mosquito nets have been received and inventoried at the CARE warehouses. These shall be distributed utilizing health clinics, enabling the most vulnerable to be targeted.

A new PO has been issued for an additional 64,000 Jerry Cans for needs in South Darfur and to support stock levels in both Geniena and El Fasher.

West Darfur: UNJLC and UNICEF are to meet with WES to assess current soap supply distribution in order to assist with future planning.

3. SURFACE TRANSPORT

CARE continues to dispatch small loads for NGOs until the return to service of the NFI aircraft.

South Darfur: Transporters reported to CARE that the road into Garsila (Zelengie Corridor) is now inaccessible due to heavy rains. As a result, pending Tearfund and International Medical Corps' dispatches, from Nyala to Garsila, have not been completed.

4. AIR OPERATIONS

Lack of funding has ceased the NFI air transport services including helicopter and passenger services as of 15 June. This has coincided with the beginning of the rainy season, thus, occurring at the most inopportune time and posing a serious challenge to the humanitarian community. (Source: UNHAS)

Civil Aviation Authorities (CAA) continue to demand that the humanitarian community pays landing, parking and security service charges for all humanitarian cargo flights.

North Darfur: A final flight to Nyala and El Fasher ran on 15 June clearing the backlog of pending NFI items.

South Darfur: The Nyala runway is open for all traffic. The CAA advised that they will not resume repairs to the runway for at least two months from 1 June. (Source: CAA)

West Darfur: No NFI air transport this week.

5. FUEL PRICES

North Darfur: Jet A1 fuel price per gallon is USD 3.32. The Jet A1 fuel shortage continues in El-Fasher with WFP still using barrels. (Source: WFP/HAS El-Fasher)

West Darfur: Anticipated heavy rains, combined with the closure in July of the Khartoum refinery for maintenance of two months, are expected to result in a local fuel shortage consequently driving fuel prices up in June and July. (Source: UNJLC)

6. LOGISTICS ASSESSMENTS

West Darfur: WFP will provide a warehouse management training session for INGO staff in El Geneina during the second week in July. Those agencies who previously expressed interest can expect to receive an invitation. (Source: WFP)

7. MISCELLANEOUS

UNJLC undertook a study on courier services for the transport of small packages. In brief: DHL and TNT provide delivery service to 4 and 6 destinations respectively. Aramex covers the entire country and provides service to over 104 destinations. Where commercial services are available, United Nations often tends to use it. If so requested, UNJLC will invite Aramex to make a presentation of their courier activities. UNJLC also could negotiate and/or request Aramex to provide discounted rates to humanitarian agencies.

ABOUT UNJLC

UNJLC is an inter-agency facility reporting during an emergency to the Humanitarian Coordinator and overall to the Inter-Agency Standing Committee. Its mandate is to coordinate and optimize the logistics capabilities of humanitarian organizations in large-scale emergencies. UNJLC operates under the custodianship of WFP who is responsible for the administrative and financial management of the Centre. UNJLC is funded from voluntary contributions channeled through WFP. More information on UNJLC in general and on the South Asia operation can be viewed on the UNJLC website (www.unjlc.org)