Key Developments
SRSG Pronk addressed the Security Council on 22 July and introduced the SG's monthly report on Darfur.
During her recent visit to Sudan, US Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, called for the early resumption of the Abuja talks. Similarly, in a press statement issued on 21 July, acting Foreign Minister Mustafa called for the talks to start sooner than the date currently set (24 Aug.).
Security Issues
North Darfur
An anti-tank mine was located on 21 July 25 km W of Kutum (110 NW of El Fasher). The place is near Fata Borno village (approx 15 Km SW of Kutum). The surrounding area, between Fata Borno, Dibis (approx 50 km NW of Kutum), Dili (45 km SW of Kutum) and Gibsra (50 km W of Kutum) has been closed to UN movement. INGO/NGO's were notified through OCHA.
On 21 July, in Abu Shouk IDPs Camp, during the meeting between the Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and the IDPs, two GoS police officers who attended the meeting were recognized by some IDPs. The IDPs started to assault them with sticks and stones. One police officer was seriously injured.
An INGO reported that on 18 July the SLA abducted two commercial vehicles one km from Tawilla.
South Darfur
An INGO reports that two trucks were ambushed on 23 July, 10 km north of Sania Fandu. The vehicles were looted and two people killed.
West Darfur
On 18 July an INGO compound in Hamadiya camp was broken into by two men, one of whom was armed. Some items were stolen.
On 20 July, the market in Regal Moore was attacked and five men abducted. Allegedly the attack was an attempt by Nomads to retrieve stolen cattle.
Protection Issues
North Darfur
An INGO reports that the 15 July militia attacks on Masri and Marri near Kutum have resulted in a further displacement of IDPs and an influx of new arrivals in Kassab camp.
An INGO has received information that IDPs in Birkat Seira have been ordered by a local militia not to move more than 2 km outside the village boundaries.
An INGO reports that on 14 July a 12-year old girl was raped in Abu Shouk camp, allegedly by an IDP.
South Darfur
On 23 July, OCHA and IOM received reports that the South Darfur HAC authorities had started moving newly arrived IDPs from El Sereif to Al Salam camp as of 22 July. By 23 July, between 1,500 and 3,000 IDPs had already been moved. The move was not notified to any humanitarian agency and is in clear contravention of the MCM agreement.
West Darfur
An INGO reports that on 13 July an adolescent girl was raped in Hamadiya camp.
Political Affairs
Following a meeting held between the GoS and the National Movement for Reform and Development (NMRD) in El-Fasher on 19 July, the NMRD reportedly agreed to abide by the Declaration of Principles signed by the GoS and the Sudan Liberation Movement and Justice and Equality Movement on 5 July.
The Council of Ministers, presided over by President El-Bashir, is due to hold a rare meeting outside Khartoum at Falluj Oil Field, Upper Nile state, on 25 July.
In Malakal, UNMIS learned that the recently appointed SPLM/A administrators are still in Rumbek and will take-up their functions when security on the ground is assured. In a press release, Paulino Matiep, stated that although those appointed by the new SPLM/A-led government were free to take up their functions, he could not guarantee their security.
Civil Affairs
UNMIS CA in El Fasher was informed that livestock migration has not taken place. Most of the animals are grazing within the areas they are allocated. According to the Migration Routes Committee, the work in reopening and demarcation has yet to start in North Darfur, as they are still facing funding problems. Moreover, livestock migration is also restricted due to the presence of bandits and lack of security.
Teachers at the Juba Day School began a strike on 18 July to protest against being required to teach two sessions per day due to the increasing number of students returning to Juba. The teachers requested a salary increase for the increase in their workload. The teachers met the Director General of the Ministry of Education and were informed that many of the returnee students are not originally from Bahr el Jebel State and the costs for their education must be borne by their home state. Jonglei State has in principle agreed to pay its share of the cost but there has been no response from Eastern Equatoria. In an effort to re-open the school quickly so as not to deprive the students of classroom time, the Teachers' Union has requested that the Director General agree that Bahr el Jebel Ministry of Education pay the entire 936,000 SD for the additional afternoon sessions, and then recover the costs from the surrounding States.
Human Rights
A public forum on human rights was held in Port Sudan on 18 - 20 July. This was attended by approximately 100 people from all sectors of society and the UNMIS Director of Human Rights. The forum was followed by training for NGOs and civil society. This was the first time that a public event on human rights was able to take place in Port Sudan as the authorities have previously denied permission for such events.
Humanitarian Affairs
Food/NFIs
North Darfur
The food distribution in Zam Zam camp which was suspended following the abduction of an NGO worker on 11 July was resumed on 22 July. The future of the NGO's activities in the camp is still uncertain as the SLA has expressed that the organization is not welcome.
South Darfur
On 21 July, OCHA received a letter from some Kalma Sheikhs addressed to the UNSG. The letter describes a dramatic situation in Kalma Camp with people allegedly dying of hunger and requests that an immediate assessment is conducted by the UN to allow the immediate delivery of food to the camp. A WVI headcount is planned for the end of July, beginning of August. Kalma Sheikhs have so far fiercely resisted any headcount attempts.
General
West Darfur
Rains are causing floods in Shebab camp (Zalingei) and drainage problems in Nertiti south camp.
Kassala
UNMIS confirmed its support to the humanitarian response in case of a flood in Kassala with troops, transport, medical supplies, Land Cruisers, three lorries and one tractor on standby. UNMIS MLO reported the contingency plan was given to Sector Commander (Sec Com) and a plan is in the making.
Following a GOAL report on the need for humanitarian assistance in Hongola village (128 km NW of Kassala), which has been isolated due to heavy rain, WHO and OCHA will carry out a rapid assessment mission in the area.
Health
Kassala
WHO reported that a training of 100 spraying operators in Kassala, El-Gash, Sitiet and River Atbara in preparation for the rainy season and an eventual malaria epidemic has been concluded. WHO has provided insecticides and sprayers and requested all humanitarian partners to assist in the spraying campaign. The Wali has given his commitment to provide fuel and payment of incentives to personnel to help in the event that there is a need for the Kassala locality.
Returns
Abyei
On 25 July, OCHA, UNDP and UNMIS will visit Agok locality for the second time in a week to verify reports of the presence of some 6,000 returnees in need of humanitarian assistance.
Bahr El Ghazal
On 23 July, UNMIS, OCHA, SPLM/A and GoS military officers visited Diem Zubier and the current location of Mabia returnees on route to Diem Zubier. GoS officers in Diem Zubier assured the mission that the IDPs and SPLM/A soldiers would be welcomed to the area and that the returnees would be given free and unhindered access. He also claimed that GoS has collected heavy weapons from the Salaam Peace Forces (pro-government militias) in the area (UNMIS cannot confirm this claim as yet). However, they are still armed with light weapons awaiting formal disarmament. Nonetheless, GoS will monitor their activities to ensure there is peace in the area. The team also travelled to Rede - roughly 100 km (air distance) south of Diem Zubier - to meet the returnees. Preparations for their safe return and humanitarian assistance are in place at Diem Zubier. The mission also prepared a food airdrop, scheduled for 24 July. Returnees are expected to arrive at Diem Zubier at the end of the July.