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Sudan

United Nations Sudan Situation Report 22 May 2005

Key Developments

Late on 19 May, a conflict between police and IDP merchants in Kalma camp, in South Darfur, reportedly resulted in the death of one IDP and the wounding of six IDPs and three. AU Civ Pol and elements of the AMIS Protection Force established a 24/7 presence on 21 May. At 10:00 this morning, humanitarian organizations were allowed to re-enter Kalma. The situation appears to be calm and agencies resumed humanitarian assistance.

Security Issues

South Darfur: The incident at Kalma camp sparked a violent reaction among the residents of the camp. On 20 May, a large number of IDPs gathered near the Kalma market, destroyed two "tea houses" frequented by GoS police, then proceeded to torch the HAC compound and Land Cruiser before stopping short of attacking the GoS Police base located opposite the camp. AU Civ Pol and military personnel worked with GoS Police to decrease tension and encourage dialogue with the authorities. However, the state government refused humanitarian access to the UN or INGOs until after "investigations" were completed. Only on the morning of 22 May were agencies were allowed back into the camp. The situation appears to be calm and agencies have resumed humanitarian assistance.

North Darfur: The three contracted WFP trucks held by the SLA in Sarafia have now been released and have returned to El Fasher. The two drivers kidnapped have also been safely returned and have reported that they were well treated during their ordeal.

In the area of El-Fasher the AU received reports of fighting in the areas of Amou valley near Turiyaa between the SLA/JEM and armed tribesmen. Eight vehicles belonging to the GoS/nomadic militias were involved in the attack on 21 May.

The area around Kaura (on the Tawilla-Kebkabiya road) also remains sensitive. On 20 May, an alleged ambush took place by SLA/JEM against a GoS convoy. Reportedly, 4 SLA fighters were killed and 2 GOS soldiers wounded.

Two INGO staff were briefly detained by SLA in Serafaya (30 km NW of El Fasher) on 21 May. Despite prior notification to the SLM by OCHA, the INGO was not authorised by local SLA commanders to continue their assessment mission to areas around Serafaya.

West Darfur: Heavy fighting reportedly broke out near Golo, Jebel Marra between SLA and GoS forces on 16 and 17 May. On 17 May, the village of Moro, four km from Nertiti was attacked by armed tribesmen and GoS forces. An estimated 200 people are reportedly missing, including many students and six teachers were reportedly killed. This report remains unconfirmed.

It was reported that on 19 May, a series of cattle-rustling related incidents between nomads and local farmers and Chadian-Zagawa nomads north of Seleah resulted in several deaths. The situation in Seleah presently is calm, but tension is still high, and the probability of further conflicts is also high. UNMIS has not yet suspended movement through Seleah, but is monitoring the security situation closely.

In the area of Al-Geneina the AU confirmed that GoS military police and local villagers were involved in an exchange of fire with nomads who attacked and killed the Sheikh of Berdy village and made away with two horses. One villager was killed and 3 injured during the incident.

Nuba Mountains: Banditry was reported on the road between Kadugli and Talodi on 19 May. A commercial truck was stopped and 3 people were killed and one person injured. The local authorities advised all travellers using the road to wait until security personnel had surveyed the road and ensured safely.

Protection Issues

West Darfur: The second round of Training of Trainers for fuel efficient stoves has started.

South Darfur: In the aftermath of this weekend's disturbance at Kalma camp, AU Civ Pol held a meeting in the camp with all the sheikhs of the various sectors and the youth leaders. The IDPs presented a ten-point resolution to them. This included the release of the IDPs arrested by the police during the disturbances and the permission of the Humanitarian Agencies to resume work at the camp.

Following the recent disturbances in Kalma, UN officials had a meeting with the South Darfur Police Commissioner, who said that he had taken steps to improve and strengthen the police presence around the camp. The Commissioner informed UNMIS that measures had been taken against the six policemen involved in the harassment of IDPs. He ended by saying that to facilitate the return of peace in the camp, the police have agreed to release the IDPs arrested during the disturbances.

He ended by saying that to facilitate the return of peace in the camp, the police have agreed to release the IDPs arrested during the disturbances.

The SGBV Committee set up by the Wali of South Darfur convened for the second time on 19 May. The UN urged the committee to strengthen efforts for the dissemination of 'Form 8' among authorities and the police.

North Darfur: Reportedly, IDPs have opted to move away from the contentious water point in Shangil Tobayi that led to tensions with GoS troops stationed nearby who use the same water point.

Political Affairs

The GoS is organising a forum for representatives from Eastern Sudan in Kassala starting 23 May. The forum will bring together political parties (most of whom reportedly support the GoS), tribal elders, civil society organisations, as well as Eastern representatives resident in Khartoum, to discuss issues of 'development, peace and stability'. It will not be attended by members of the Eastern Front, who see it as a "propaganda tool" of some members of the National Congress Party. Separate negotiations between the GoS and Eastern Front that were due to commence in Nairobi around 19 May have been delayed, while the Movement's leadership hold internal consultations in Asmara. No date has yet been given for when those talks might take place.

Foreign Minister Mustafa told a press conference during a trip to China that the GoS will announce shortly the formation of a national tribunal to hear war crimes committed in Darfur, including the name of the court, its judge and Prosecutor- General, after receiving recommendations from the Committee dealing with SCR 1593.

The AU Verification team mandated by the last meeting of the Joint Commission to verify the positions of the Parties on the ground in Darfur left Khartoum for el-Fasher to begin work on the ground. The team is led by Gen. Muhammad Ali, Chairperson of the Joint Commission. While the JEM has agreed to cooperate with the team, the SLM has indicated it would not. The United States has withdrawn from the Team

Civil Affairs

On 19 May, Civil Affairs in Nyala met with the Darfur Network for National Organizations in South Darfur to find out about IDP expectations for the upcoming academic year, starting in June 2005. There are six primary schools in Kalma Camp with 11,414 students, but an additional 13,111 eligible students don't have access to these schools. Accordingly, there is a need for six additional schools, as well as for transportation facilities, and money to encourage teachers to work in the camp's schools.

The strike of civil servants in Juba which started on 20 May is expected to spread to Eastern and Western Equatoria. The dispute is about arrears of either salary or increments for 7 months. The strike has also assumed a political dimension, as the strikers are calling for the resignation of the Secretary-General of the Coordinating Council (Juba), who they allege is responsible for the non-payment of the money. UN agencies believe that the presence of the SPLM is making people more vocal and more emboldened to take political steps of this nature.

UNMIS Military Deployment

Lieutenant General Randhir Kumar Mehta, Military Advisor to the Secretary- General, and his Team are visiting UNMIS from 19 to 26 May. On 21 May Gen. Mehta received briefings on the humanitarian issues of the mission and visited Malakal and Juba. In Malakal, he was briefed on the current situation and the progress regarding the camping sites for the TCC as well as the UNMOs.

A meeting of the JMC Chairman's Group was held on 19 May in Tillo (Kadugli) with GoS and SPLM/A representatives. Concerning the immediate UN deployment in the area, the JMC COO updated on the following issues:1) GoS representative reported that there were no limitations in place on UN local staff recruitment and any staff could be hired to work anywhere. The national staff recruitment process is a sensitive issue among the local population in the respective areas because of the level of UN salaries; 2) JMC COO informed the meeting that nine new UN Military Observers (UNMOs) arrived 18 May and are currently in place at Mirri Hills. Five of them will be assigned in Tillo, as apart of UN Sector 4, and their specific orientation training is in process.

Humanitarian Affairs

Returns

1,700 returnees from Mabia camp in Bahr El Ghazal have now gathered at Diem Zubeir primary school. Around 300 more returnees are expected to arrive from Wau on trucks provided by the government. WFP has almost completed pre-positioning of food items for the assembled returnees. Distribution of non-food items by ICRC and UNICEF is ongoing in Diem Zubeir. UNICEF today sent school tents to Diem Zubeir to be used as temporary classrooms for the children.

The UNICEF/WES drilling team detained by local authorities at Mayom, Unity State, were released on 20 May and are now in Wankai proceeding with their drilling programme.

199 returnee families from Kosti arrived in Malakal on 21 May on their way to villages in Bailiet, Adong and Gashell in Upper Nile. They were given food in Kosti and will be provided with non-food items in Malakal by UNICEF and ADRA.

Health

West Darfur: WHO and MoH could not carry out polio vaccination activities in Bir Saliba, west of Seleia, due to insecurity. - South Sudan: The civil service strike in Juba has hampered the work of Juba Hospital. The 14 ICRC staff members are currently struggling to provide services and have requested assistance from the Sudanese Red Crescent. The GoS military has reportedly sent 25 nurses, and UNICEF is assisting in the provision of meals to inpatients.