Key Developments:
Both SRSG Pronk and the AU Special Envoy to Sudan, Ambassador Kingibe, issued press statements today condemning the recent fighting between the two rebel movements, the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM). See accompanying statements for more details.
Following the announcement that the Abuja negotiations on Darfur will resume on 10 June, the SRSG and PDSRSG travelled to Dar-es-Salaam on 6 June for consultations with the newly-appointed AU Special Envoy for the Darfur talks, Salim Ahmed Salim, on the format and substance of the talks as well as on the UN role.
On 6 June, the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, announced his decision to open an investigation into the situation in Darfur.
Security Issues:
Khartoum: On 5 June, six vehicles carrying police arrived at the two main markets in Soba Aradi -- Souq Al Kabeer and Souq Sabreen -- to conduct a search operation. The police searched all incoming cars and confiscated a television and chairs set up at gathering points for public viewing as well as other goods that were for sale. The police detained an unknown number of people before leaving the markets.
North Darfur: On 5 June, two commercial trucks moving along the Tawilla -- Om road were reportedly attacked and robbed by unknown armed men. Money amounting to 16,000 SD and 2 bags of wheat were stolen.
On 31 May, SLA representatives filed a complaint against an alleged attack by armed tribesmen on civilians at Fornu village in the area of Kutum. SLA claimed that 98 livestock were stolen and one camel killed. The AU is investigating the alleged attack.
South Darfur: Muhujariya has been declared a NO GO area for the UN following last week's fighting between SLA and JEM forces, and the continued unrest in the area.
An INGO was stopped on 6 June at a checkpoint 7 km south of Nyala and was told to return; food distribution in Salemelnaga was delayed as a result.
Due to insecurity along the rail line road, an INGO decided to relocate its 11 food security teams back to Nyala while eight staff who perform live-saving activities remain in Saniafandu. Recent GoS military harassment against the staff of another INGO for allegedly supporting rebel movements have compelled the agency to pull its entire medical staff from Saniafandu.
West Darfur: On 4 June, armed tribesmen attacked Gosmino and abducted one individual and stole 43 livestock.
Eastern Sudan: On 5 June, 30-40 people penetrated the perimeter of the SPLM/A office in Kassala. They were in civilian clothes, and carried wood sticks and knives. No injuries were reported, but the intruders vandalised the building and stole property. The local police was informed about that incident and started the investigation.
Protection Issues:
North Darfur: Elders of Abu Shouk camp informed OCHA that the HAC camp manager called a tribal leaders' meeting on 30 May and asked the leaders to start an information campaign for the return of IDPs to their villages. The elders reportedly rejected the suggestion as long as security and basic services at the return destinations were not addressed.
OCHA facilitated a meeting on 5 June between Abu Shouk IDP elders, representatives of the AU Civ Pol/CIMIC, and various humanitarian actors. The meeting aimed to improve communication between the IDPs and the AU.
On 5 June, UNMIS HR started a two-day training session in El Fasher on the Sudanese legal framework. The training was attended by key protection actors in North Darfur.
At the 5 June SGBV meeting, it was recommended to address gaps in PEP supplies as a priority in order to ensure as effective medical response throughout the state.
West Darfur: A GoS representative and the head of the Migratory Routes Committee for Darfur held a meeting on 6 June with community leaders from West Darfur to discuss the conflict between nomads and farmers. A security committee will be set up to monitor the nomad movements. Water supply along the migratory routes is reportedly funded by a Saudi bank. Representatives of the humanitarian community attended the meeting.
Humanitarian Affairs:
General
South Darfur: After lengthy discussions, HAC and MI agreed to drop their demands that they accompany all UN Humanitarian Air Service flights.
Food/NFIs
North Darfur: GAA has started a half-ration food distribution to four nomadic settlements and the surrounding villages in the Kutum villages, based upon recent assessments by WFP and its implementing partners.
FAO has started a distribution of seeds and tools to different areas of the state, including SLA-controlled areas. Distribution is being conducted by NGOs and community-based organizations, and is planned to end by mid-June.
South Darfur: ICRC repaired three hand pumps in Khor Abeche. WVI, having completed food and non-food distribution in the area, are returning for a second IDP registration to include new arrivals.
South Sudan
Unity: Food distribution by WFP and CARE began today in Rubkona covering 39,264 beneficiaries who will receive full one-month rations of CSB, cereals and pulses. The amount planned for distribution was 724.43 MT, but this may be reduced as oil and sugar rations have not yet arrived.
Health
North Darfur: The federal Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and the State Minister for Health had a meeting on 6 June with all agencies in the health sector. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss preparedness for the upcoming rainy season. Humanitarian agencies also raised issues affecting the efficacy of health programmes, such as lack of qualified national staff, and the MoH suggestion to raise incentives for staff by 50%.
Oxfam is rehabilitating 95 latrines in Tawilla destroyed by rains at the end of May.
A flash flood has reportedly affected 52 households in Iddal Nabaq, 32 km east of Kabkabiya. The Sudanese Red Crescent is responding to the situation.
Registered ARI cases among under-fives remain high in Zam Zam camp, with 168 cases reported over the past week.
WHO, Care and MoH on 31 May started a 15-day spraying campaign in Kalma camp.
West Darfur: The Iranian Red Crescent has opened a clinic in the Al Imtidad area of El Geneina.
Returns
West Darfur: HAC Geneina reported on 5 June that they had received information from HAC Habila that 2,000 families are returning from Beida to their villages of origin in the Habila area. The Wali and HAC visited the area on 6 June.
White Nile: OCHA registered 37 households (101 people) on 5 June passing through Kosti on their way to various locations in the south bringing the total number of returnees recorded in the area since 12 February to 4,239 households (13,142 people).