SUMMARY/HIGHLIGHTS
Overall security in most States in the South remains tense with fears of impending vengeful attacks and sporadic LRA attacks being reproted.
Security on the Juba-Torit road worsens as reports of fatal ambushes on motorists increase.
Humanitarian assistance is on-going in affected regions amidst the heightened insecurity and poor access by road.
I. FOCUS ON SECURITY AND HUMANITARIAN ACCESS
LRA Attacks in Western Equatoria State: On 17 May, three groups of suspected LRA members attacked and looted villages in Bakpera, Nzara County. IDP movements have been reported but the magnitude and needs of the IDPs have yet to be verified. Coordination is being led by RCSO who have an international staff member on the ground in Yambio. SPLA soldiers were deployed to the area on 18 May. The a/m attack came a few days after the LRA reportedly abducted 6 civilians in Gangura of Yambio County on 13 May. 3 out of the 6 people were later found dead.
Upper Nile State: As of 17 May, the death toll from the Torkech clash between Lou Nuer and Jikany Nuer that occurred in Nassir County on 8 May has risen to 71 persons. According to UNMIS, some 2500-4500 people and 50 orphans remain displaced in Nassir County following the attacks. WFP continues to work closely with a local NGO known as Nassir County Development Agency distributing some 87MT of food to the displaced families on the 17 May. UNICEF, CARE and ADRA have made available NFIs to be transported by UNICEF to Nassir. Coordination and monitoring is being led by agencies in Malakal.
Jonglei State: The security situation has deteriorated further. The shooting of an SPLA soldier in Pibor on 19 May sparked violent riots in the area. UNMIS and government authorities are investigating the case and working to contain the situation.
Despite the insecurity, agencies in the region are struggling to meet humanitarian needs in Akobo and Pibor Counties. Seven trucks of relief items destined for Akobo remain stranded in Walgak due to impassable roads. Agencies are currently pursuing air-lift options. FAO working with local agencies CRADA and NCDA have pre-positioned 30MT of seeds and tools in the area and plan to airlift 84MT of seeds and tools to Akobo by UNMIS helicopter.
Eastern Equatoria State-Juba-Torit Road: Security situation for motorists on the Juba-Torit road continued to worsen with more reports of fatal ambushes by unidentified armed gangs being reported. According to UNMIS, fifteen gunmen ambushed an SPLA truck this week and fired indiscriminately, resulting in the death of 5 SPLA soldiers and one woman. A three-year-old child who survived the attack was later taken away by the SPLA soldiers. Four suspects were arrested and are under investigation by the South Sudan Police Services (SSPS). The security level remains 3 and all humanitarian vehicles traveling along the road require armed escort until further notice. As of 13 May SPLA military forces had been deployed in all the affected villages including the Juba-Terekeka high-way.
Rumbek,Warrap State: 9,600 people were displaced from Akop and Marial Lou Payams following a cattle raid by Nuer herdsmen during the weekend. Reports indicate 18 deaths, 20 serious injuries and 32 cattle reportedly stolen. A joint UN mission to the area is scheduled for 18-20 May.
[UNMIS, OCHA EP&R, RCSO]
