Highlights:
The AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) on 10 March approved, in principle, the transition from AMIS to a UN-led operation in Darfur. It also extended AMIS' mandate to Sept. 2006 and called on the Chairperson of the AU Commission to initiate joint planning with the UN Secretary-General.
On 9 March, the minister of cultural and social affairs of Blue Nile State, Abbas Haj Hamad, warned that his state would join the GoSS if the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), including its provisions for popular consultation, was not properly implemented. In an interview with a local newspaper in Kurmuk, he said that if the GNU continued to delay implementation of the CPA, the people of Blue Nile would take "appropriate action."
Political:
SRSG Pronk and DSRSG Da Silva attended the joint WB-IMF-UN Sudan Consortium in Paris on 9 and 10 March. The aim of the Consortium was to mobilize domestic and international resources for development, based on mutual transparency and accountability. Although few new pledges were made by donors, the process of preparing for the Consortium has led to greater transparency in the GNU and GoSS budgets. SRSG Pronk, in his opening statement, remarked that no significant progress has been achieved in the development of Southern Sudan and urged that assistance to the South should not be made dependend on progress in the peace process in Darfur. DSRSG Da Silva, on his part, stated the need to make sure that overall service delivery increases rather than decreases as we move from relief programming to recovery and development.
The Technical ad hoc Border Committee held its first meeting on 9 March in Khartoum in the presence of the Minister of the Presidency, Major-General Bakri Hassan Salih. He stressed the important role of the committee in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The 16-member committee was established in Nov. 2005 with a mandate to demarcate the North/South borderline of 1 Jan. 1956.
Khartoum and Northern Sudan
Human Rights:
The first hearing in the trial of the 134 Soba Aradi defendants charged with offences including murder took place at the Central Court on 9 March. This was a preliminary hearing where the defendants, who were all handcuffed to one another, confirmed their names. The three female defendants were released on bail in their absence and one defendant was discharged as his name did not appear on the indictment. The mental health of one of the defendant's was raised by his lawyer and the judge allowed for him to be seen by a medical practitioner. The judge also confirmed that special measures would be invoked for the four minors without specifying what the measures were. The charges were not read out, and the next hearing has been fixed for 20 March. Background: on 18 May 2005, police and residents of Soba Aradi IDP area clashed when the Government attempted to forcibly relocate some residents. The violence resulted in the death of 15 police and at least four civilians.
North Darfur:
Humanitarian:
On 8 March, HAC and humanitarian organizations met with Umdas of Abu Shouk IDP camps to discuss the deteriorating water situation in the camp. Of the 37 boreholes, five are already dry and another three are rapidly drying up as a result of excessive water use. The agencies appealed to the Umdas to halt the selling of water to El Fasher residents as well as the use of water for brick-making activities. The same problem was experienced last year. The Umdas have recently developed some camp rules, which prohibit the improper use of water, and they committed to ensure compliance by the IDP community.
Civil Affairs:
On 8 March, the Ministry of Social Welfare and the General Women's Union in El Fasher, with the support of UNFPA, celebrated International Women's Day by organizing seminars on Women in Decision Making: Meeting Challenges. Additionally, women representative from El Fasher locality and IDP camps participated; the celebration was also attended by representatives of UN agencies and women officials from the State Government.
South Darfur
Security:
UNMIS received unconfirmed reports that Arab militias attacked villages around Gereida and Joghana. More than 20 people were reportedly killed, numerous injured and several villagers abducted. The attackers are reported to have looted 3,000 cows. The villages, which were reportedly attacked include: Subur, Kafala, Rwunia, Damaa, Edeine, Kube (around Joghana) and Um Tarabo, Donkey Abey, Dumozoy (around Gereida). The SLA alleged that the Habanya, Falata, Maharya, Rezeigat and Shamalia tribes participated in the attacks. So far, AMIS has confirmed one attack on a village near Donkey Abey by armed militias believed to be Falata tribesmen from Serguella.
On 11 March, over 1,000 people from Joghana, Geraida and IDP Camps in the area armed with clubs and stones forced themselves into the AMIS group site in Gereida. The crowd threw stones at the sentries, pulled down the perimeter security fences, set fire to some beds and mattresses and destroyed other AMIS property. Two AMIS personnel sustained minor injuries. AMIS managed to control the situation by firing shots in the air and physically pushing the crowd out of the group site. Local SLA Commanders accused AMIS personnel of killing a boy by running over him with an Armoured Personal Carrier (APC). The MGS refuted the allegation since no APC was moved during the incident.
Humanitarian:
The government of South Darfur has imposed restrictions on the import of fuel into SLA areas in South Darfur. Government authorities explained that the decision was adopted to prevent rebels from obtaining fuel for their vehicles. Despite, the government's stated security considerations, it is clear that restrictions will have a serious impact on humanitarian activities in the sectors of water, health and food as well as on transport capacity because the allowed quantities of fuel are not sufficient to cover the minimum fuel consumption. At a meeting on 9 March, HAC advised INGOs to transport only small quantities of fuel at a time (three barrels per trip) ¡®to reduce losses in case fuel is looted by the SLA'. NSIS has restricted the delivery of fuel by several INGOs to Kalma camp and Gereida. Temporary solutions have been found but the situation is untenable over the long run.
West Darfur
Security:
AU Civ Pol reported that on 11 March, unidentified armed men, suspected to be rebels, attacked Abu Surouj village. Two persons were killed and five others seriously wounded. The victims were admitted to El Geneina Hospital.
Helicopter flights to Seleia/Kulbus have resumed, and nine INGO staff have been flown in on 8 March.
Reportedly, the SLA is preventing residents from permanently returning to Golo (Jebel Marra), although they are allowed to collect their belongings left behind during the fighting.
Human Rights:
Government authorities continue to harass human rights defenders in El Geneina. On 8 March, HAC informed the regional director of the local NGO SUDO that the organization does not have a mandate for protection activities and should seize activities related to psychosocial support and human rights. He also claimed that the Executive Director of SUDO has a criminal record. The regional director denied the allegations. On 9 March, SUDO was informed by the HAC Commissioner that he would close down all SUDO activities in West Darfur for 15 days and report the case to the government authorities in Khartoum. Comment: SUDO in West Darfur has faced continuous harassment from HAC and National Security over previous months. On 20 Feb., the director of SUDO was summoned for questioning by National Security about SUDO activities. HAC suspended SUDO activities in Zalengei on 18 Jan.
Humanitarian:
After a long delay, on 8 March the Ministry of Planning renewed the process of allocating plots to IDPs at Taiba camp (Zalingei). In January, MoP had completed around 300 of 900 family plots (total camp population 4,165 IDPs). Food and health services were already in place, but construction of latrines was put on hold. The problem of insufficient safe water has been resolved on 7 March with Zalingei Water Corporation now providing 60 cubic metres of water per day (or over 14 l/day/person), up from 40 CM.
Southern Sudan
Security:
Despite the cooperative efforts of three governors and the presence of an SPLA battalion, a third round of clashes broke out in Maper (75 km north of Rumbek) between Pakam Dinka and Luac Dinka on 9 March. Initial reports indicate that 12 people were killed and 10 injured in the fighting.
The SPLA closed all roads leading to Yei on 5 and 7 March. The SPLA also sent 500 troops on the road to Maridi to cut off any westward movement of LRA towards the DRC border and 300 troops on the road to Juba on 6 March in pursuit of the LRA group in Lainya County.
In response to the cattle raiding incident reported on 6 March, the SRRC Deputy Director for Jonglei State has now confirmed that Murle tribesmen raided Adumuot/Atet clan of the Dinka tribe at Makuach Payam east of Bor town. The number of livestock (goats, sheep and cows) stolen could not be ascertained. There are no reports of casualties. It is being noticed that cattle raiding incidents have increased in the last month.
Inter-tribal clashes were also reported between Dinka and villagers in Bambu (Ibba County, Western Equatoria) Ten Bambu villagers are believed to have been killed by the Dinkas. Many Bambu villagers have taken refuge in Madebe village, nine miles from Ibba where they were reported to be sleeping in the open without adequate food and other daily needs. The cause of the fight is not known.
Returns:
WHO and the MoH had given the green light to resume the movement of the Dinka Bor. However, due to the deterioration of many of the Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) cases over the last 24 hours in Bor, it has now been recommended to hold the movement of Dinka Bor until further notice. The outbreak is spreading to surrounding areas namely, Padak/Baidit, Pibor, Jalle, Makuack, Malek Pariak, Malual Chat, Kolnyang. Seventytwo cases have been admitted so far in Bor. OCHA is following up with relevant agencies regarding additional supplies to the area. Health authorities are monitoring the situation closely and putting all efforts together to contain the outbreak.
Humanitarian Agencies and the State Authorities in Aweil Town held a meeting on 10 March to review and share information regarding the expected returnees from the north. UN-OCHA and WFP have deployed staff in Gok Machar and Aweil North to monitor the situation.
Humanitarian:
Eight new cases of AWD were reported at the MSF CTC in Yei on the 8 and 9 March. However, there were no new cases in the outreach centres at Ombassi, Lasu, Payaway and Lainya. As of 9 March, the cumulative number of cases reported, so far, in Juba is 4,273 and 82 deaths. While in Yei, the cumulative number of cases, reported stands at 1,789 and the cumulative number of deaths stands at 53.
At a meeting on the AWD outbreak in Malakal (Upper Nile) on 9 March, the State Ministry of Health (SMoH) informed that 68 cases and two deaths have been reported. A medical team from the Federal Ministry of Health arrived in Malakal to provide support. The SMoH has appealed for funding and supplies in the areas of sanitation, drugs and incentives for workers and has requested OCHA to follow-up and liaise with the relevant agencies.
Further reports of the AWD in other areas of Southern Sudan include, Kajo-Keji (2 cases), Pibor Area (Pibor 94 cases with 2 death; Lekongole one case and no death; Gumuruk eight cases one death) and Terekeka (51 cases with 3 deaths). In Mongella (14 cases with five deaths), no cases have been reported since 28 Feb. There are also reports of cases of AWD from Torit (317 cases with 16 deaths) and the surrounding villages which currently are under assessment.
UNDP, in collaboration with SC-UK, launched a planning workshop on Community Recovery Project (Sudan Post-Conflict Community Based Recovery Rehabilitation Programme) in Aweil Town on 9 March. The Recovery Programme is funded for Aweil West and South Counties costing over 5m Euros for three years. In attendance were the Local authorities, Community Leaders, and Community Based Organizations.
IRC completed the borehole in Naivasha of Aweil Town (Northern Bahr El Ghazal). The area is host to approximately 80 returnees who have returned from the north late last year.
The ongoing insecurity in Western Equatoria continues to hamper humanitarian and development efforts. AAH informed OCHA that it had to stop the construction of a health facility in Nabanga in Western Equatoria due to insecurity in the area.
HIV/Aids:
On 08 - 11 March; a visiting team from UN Headquarters, together with UNMIS, visited Rumbek to conduct a mapping and needs assessment for capacity building in HIV/AIDS in DDR. The team held meetings with, among others, the Southern DDR Commission, the International Rescue Committee, and the Commander of 4th SPLA Division. Plans were laid down for mass awareness including Voluntary Counseling and Testing for members of SPLA and training of Trainers/Change Agents for HIV/AIDS in the DDR programme. The partners agreed on a joint strategy and a timeline.
Civil Affairs
On 8 March, UNMIS facilitated a GoSS mission to Pangak locality in Jonglei State. The mission, led by GoSS Vice President Dr. Riek Machar addressed the problems associated with the ongoing civilian disarmament process in the Lou Nuer region, as well as the stand off between two rivals over the commissionership of New Fangak. The mission was considered a major breakthrough, having successfully engaged Gabriel Tan Ginye and OAG officers in productive talks. Some broad decisions were made on the way forward in resolving the commissioner issues, as well as alignment of the Fangak OAGs.
The Governor of Jonglei State informed UNMIS that there were increased concerns regarding Pibor, where a new GoSS commissioner was recently installed. The concerns are regarding the activities of hostile OAGs believed to be receiving logistical support from SAF. The Governor urged UNMIS to maintain its presence in the area.
Abyei, Blue Nile and South Kordofan
Security:
Following the attack on a convoy of unarmed former SSDF soldiers and their families near Abyei on 7 March, a new wave of soldiers and their relatives who had left Khartoum on 4 March, are moving from Karsana towards Abyei and Meiram. The convoy is being escorted by an SPLA Protection Force of 100 that had been sent to Karsana from Khartoum.
Humanitarian:
On 8 March, 35,000 meningitis vaccines arrived in Abyei from Kadugli. The vaccination campaign will be carried out by 15 teams, four in Abyei town and 11 in the surrounding villages.
UNMIS Military:
CRITICAL INCIDENTS
In Sector I, the UPDF Unit Commander in YEI informed UNMOs that UPDF helicopters attacked an LRA group on 8 March an LRA group. About seven LRA rebels were killed and one LRA Officer was captured by UPDF in the area 20 km south from TORE.
MONITORING AND VERIFICATION ACTIVITIES
In Sector III, JMT carried out verification
of 85 SAF Brigade Headquarters located at BENTIU (29.47.01E-09.14.46N).
In Sector III, JMT carried out verification
of SAF 15 Division HQ Units located at RUBKONA (29°47'00"E-09°14'00"N).LRP
to PADAK (06º27'23"N/031º32'42"E) verified the HQ of SPLA 2nd
Bn.
In Sector IV, JULUD TS conducted a military
inspection of HQ 228 Bn/27 Bde/ SPLA at JULUD MANDARI (11º41'52"N-29º30'00"E).In
DILLING TS the patrol observed 15 buses carrying 1,326 unarmed SPLA soldiers
moving with their families from KHARTOUM toward KAUDA and BENTIU.
Comment: This movement is part of the move of 17,000 SPLA soldiers moving
from KHARTUM to the south, which caused the incident in ABYEI. The movement
was not announced by the SPLA.
In Sector IV, in KADUGLI TS the patrol preceded to KHARASSANA (10 31´ 51 N, 29 17´ 13 E) on 10 March and estimated the SPLA troops from 500 to 600 unarmed men.
UNMIS Police:
UN Police Kadugli (Southern Kordofan) monitored local police investigation of the murder of two SPLA soldiers in Fama (Ref. Daily Sit Rep for 3 and 4 March) and learned that the investigators have submitted statements and a draft investigation reports to the Attorney General.
UN Police conducted training session for officers of the Northern Police Division on illegal detention leading to "Human Rights and its Violations". Thirteen officers attended the session. Another session in the Central Police Division was conducted on "Collection of Evidence/Exhibits" from crime scenes.