HIGHLIGHTS

• Since 22 April, an unverified number of people were reportedly killed and injured in Kereneik locality and Ag Geneina following inter-communal clashes.

• Curfew in Ag Geneina market from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am the next morning.

• WFP food distributions scheduled for this week have been suspended affecting an estimated 62,850 IDPs in Kereneik town and nearby villages of Murayat and Umtajok.

• Humanitarian organisations are ready to provide life-saving assistance as soon as the security situation allows.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since 22 April, armed clashes between Arab and Masalit communities in Kereneik locality, which were triggered by the reported killing of two Arabs in Kereneik town by unknown people, have resulted in an unverified number of people killed and injured.

Kereneik locality

According to local sources in Kereneik town, the police station was burned, the Kereneik rural hospital was attacked and is out of commission; the market has been looted and burned; and the locality office has been looted. Information available indicates that nearby villages have also been attacked. Calls from the West Darfur state security committee to stop the attacks and violence have not been heeded.

People from Umdwain village have reportedly been displaced to Kereneik town; the scale of displacement is not yet known. Many injured are in urgent need of health services.

As of 25 April, there are unverified reports of thousands of people displaced from Kereneik. Humanitarian organisations will verify the number of people displaced and assess their immediate needs for the response as soon as the security situation allows.

As a result of the fighting and insecurity, WFP food distributions scheduled this week will be suspended affecting an estimated 56,390 people in Kereneik town and 6,460 people in the nearby villages of Murayat and Umtajok.

Ag Geneina locality

Starting from 24 April, the local authorities in Ag Geneina have imposed a curfew at Ag Geneina market from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am the next day. The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) deployed a battalion from Nyala, South Darfur to Ag Geneina. Aid agencies have been advised by the State Humanitarian Affairs Commissioner to keep a low profile and minimise any movements.

Reports indicate that the injured are being sent to Al Naseem hospital in Ag Geneina and the Ag Geneina referral hospital for treatment. However, Al Naseem hospital does not have the capacity to treat injuries and trauma cases. Partners report that people from Althawra and Buhaira areas and IDPs from the Qadima school gathering site have displaced towards the northern part of the town, and people are also fleeing El Jebel Area to the gathering sites in Ag Geneina.

Humanitarian agencies are calling for injured civilians to have access to health services, protection of civilians and humanitarian assets (health facilities, water points, etc). Humanitarian organisations are also asking for humanitarian access so that civilians can seek humanitarian assistance, with humanitarian organisations able to reach affected civilians and provide assistance.

Background

Inter-communal conflict between Arab nomads and the Masalit tribe in Kereneik locality started on 4 December 2021 over a property dispute at a local market. Over 61,000 people took refuge in Kereneik town and surrounding villages. At least 67 people were killed, 78 were injured and many lost their possessions and livestock. (Source, IOM DTM). As of 14 February, 36,700 IDPs remained in Kereneik town and surrounding villages, the rest returned to their home areas. (Source, IOM DTM).

An estimated 487,000 people live in Kereneik locality, including 146,700 displaced people, according to the 2022 Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO). Some 265,700 people in the state need humanitarian assistance in 2022 (HNO). Over 73,000 people in Kereneik were in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

An estimated 646,000 people live in Ag Geneina locality, including 126,700 displaced people, according to IOM 2021 mobility tracking. Some 371,500 people in the state need humanitarian assistance in 2022 (HNO). Over 129,100 people in Ag Geneina were in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to IPC.

HIGHLIGHTS

• More than 18 million people are likely to be affected by localized dry spells and crop failure, conflict and the economic crisis and need urgent humanitarian assistance.

• The total production of main cereal crops (sorghum, millet and wheat) in 2021/22 is estimated at 5 million tonnes. This is 30 per cent lower than the previous five-year average and 35 per cent below last year’s production (FAO).

• There has been an increase in the number of requests issued by some state authorities for incentives and fees to be paid by humanitarian organizations.

• Insecurity affecting access to affected people in some parts of Darfur.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Sudan continues to face a macroeconomic crisis. Continued increases in the prices of food and transportation and the local food basket are expected to continue impacting the purchasing power of poor households and likely drive an increase in the inflation rate, according to FEWS NET. The political crisis during the reporting period severely impacted the Sudanese economy, with challenges in exports and imports, blockades of national routes and deteriorating conditions disrupting market systems and food value chains. These factors continued to have a negative impact on people in need in February.

According to the World Food Programme (WFP) Consolidated Approach to Reporting Indicators of Food Security (CARI), the forecasted scenario indicates that 33 per cent of the general population are food insecure during the first quarter of 2022, and 39 per cent will be food insecure by the third quarter. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the performance of the 2021/22 agricultural season is poor. FAO estimate that 5.6 million people are affected by the dry spells in addition to the 9.8 million people that are food insecure due to the current economic crisis, as well as fuel and price hikes. In most states, the rain level in the current season is below the level of the previous season with long dry spells expected in July in all cropping areas, with localized dry spells in August and September negatively affecting crop growth. The dry spell and the subsequent crop failure have affected over 5.6 million people in Blue Nile, Central Darfur, East Darfur, Gedaref, Kassala, North Darfur, North Kordofan, Red Sea, Sennar, South Darfur, South Kordofan, West Darfur, and White Nile. More than 22 million people (50 per cent of Sudan’s population) live in the 115 dry spell-affected localities.

During the month, there have been reports of the return of Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia to Al Kurmuk, Blue Nile, following military advancements into the Tongo refugee camp in Ethiopia. Since the beginning of February, an estimated 739 Sudanese nationals have reportedly returned to Sudan through different entry points in Al Kurmuk locality. The official border crossing remains closed. A joint team from the Humanitarian Affairs Commission (HAC), Commissioner for Refugees (COR) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) went to Al Kurmuk to register the returnees. While UNHCR teams go on mission, COR has had staff on the ground registering the returnees since mid-February. Al Kurmuk has an endemic water problem, and as more returnees arrive the water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs must be addressed by humanitarian partners. UNHCR has built two temporary toilets at the transit centre, but more are needed. The water supply also needs to be improved to be able to supply increasing demands.

In 2022, humanitarian partners aim to provide humanitarian assistance and support to 10.9 million of the most vulnerable people at the cost of US$1.9 billion. As of 10 March, thanks to several donor partners, the 2022 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) received $148.6 million, which is 7.6 per cent of the requirement.

Humanitarian organizations in Sudan advocate for early and expedient funding for humanitarian operations as conflict, the economic crisis, inflation, food insecurity and other challenges increase the needs of vulnerable people.

In this regard, the European Commission (EC) on 20 February announced the allocation of €40 million (US$45.46 million) for humanitarian assistance to Sudan as part of the €294.2 million ($334.36 million) humanitarian funding to assist vulnerable populations in East and Southern Africa in 2022.

Dry spells and crop failure puts further strain on people in need

The combined effects of conflict, economic crisis, and poor harvests are significantly affecting people’s access to food and will likely double the number of people facing acute hunger in Sudan to more than 18 million people by September 2022, according to FAO and WFP (statement). According to a joint rapid needs assessment by the FAO and the respective state governments carried out in December 2021, Kassala, Red Sea and North Darfur are amongst the most affected states, while North Kordofan, Central Darfur, Blue Nile, South Kordofan and South Darfur have also been affected by dry spells. The crop failure is due to erratic and lower rainfalls last year, high agricultural input and production costs and sub-national violence preventing farmers from farming their lands and exacerbates the already precarious food security situation of vulnerable people. This is further compounded by the impact of the economic crisis, high inflation and diminishing purchasing power of people in Sudan.

According to the FAO, the total production of main cereal crops (sorghum, millet and wheat) in 2021/22 is estimated at 5 million tonnes. This is 30 per cent lower than the previous five-year average and 35 per cent below last year’s production. The sorghum supply shortage estimated to be 1.3 million metric tonnes is the highest in Sudan since the 1980s. The available 3.5 million tons of sorghum from last season’s harvest will cover the needs for people’s food and livestock feed for 10 months. The projected wheat production is estimated at 584,600 tons and would cover two and half months of Sudan’s wheat requirement. The estimated deficit of cereals (sorghum, wheat, millet) for the country is 4.3 million tons. By mid-January 2022, staple food prices continued increasing atypically in most markets, while remaining stable or slightly decreasing in other markets. Staple food prices are between 100-200 per cent higher than last year and three to four times greater than the five-year average. Cereal prices typically stabilize by February following the completion of the harvest, but are likely to begin increasing in April-earlier than normal.

FAO and state governments in the affected states indicate that there is an urgent need to provide food assistance until next growing season. In addition to rehabilitating existing natural ponds and hafirs, the assessment recommends providing water storage containers where needed. Preparation for the coming rainy season by providing farming inputs and tools using resilient responding practices (types of crops, water harvesting, proper storage if there is surplus, etc.) is essential. Provision of animal feed, like crop residues of sorghum and groundnut from surrounding areas to minimize the animal feed gap, is also recommended. Humanitarian partners will use a multisectoral approach to respond to this crisis to ensure that people receive the assistance they need and that the new caseload is incorporated in their programming for the year. Short to medium-term emergency life-saving assistance will be provided to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Food, nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and the protection sector will provide life-saving assistance in the 115 affected localities. Provision of food assistance, access to water for domestic use and livestock, nutrition services for under-five children, pregnant and lactating women, and access to protection services will be prioritized in the short-term. Humanitarian partners will also provide medium-term assistance to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation. This includes the provision of agricultural inputs, provision of veterinary services, preventative nutritional assistance, strengthening nutrition surveillance, and rehabilitation of WASH facilities.

On 31 January, the WFP in Sudan said that one in four people in Sudan are facing acute hunger. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) released on May 2021, about 6 million people across Sudan are estimated to be food insecure between October 2021 and February 2022. The next IPC assessment will be done in May 2022. The impact of the dry spells is likely to see an increase in the number of food-insecure people.

Bureaucratic procedures for INGOs and the UN are increasing

Following the military coup in October 2021, there has been an increase in the number of requests issued by some state authorities for incentives and fees to be paid by humanitarian organizations. This has been witnessed in Blue Nile, Central Darfur, Gedaref, North Darfur, South Darfur, South Kordofan, West Kordofan and White Nile states. Requests range from an increase in existing incentives to fees for new services. These new requests will increase operational costs for humanitarian partners and add to bureaucratic and administrative impediments.

There has been a shift in some states from a requirement from HAC clearance, in line with the October 2019 agreement to multiple stamps from Military Intelligence and General Intelligence Services. This is occurring in Central Darfur, Red Sea, Kassala, West Kordofan and South Kordofan.

Access concerns in Darfur

Tensions and conflicts continue to be reported among various communities in parts of Darfur, however, no civilian displacement was reported in February 2022. The number of security incidents increased, with 27 incidents reported in February compared to 21 in January, according to UNDSS.

In February, humanitarian organizations were unable to access communities in some parts of West and Central Darfur due to insecurity. In West Darfur, some of the people displaced due to conflict in 2021 have yet to receive humanitarian assistance due to continuing conflict.

Despite challenges, humanitarian organizations were able to reach 5.6 million people in Darfur in 2021 with some form of humanitarian assistance.

COVID-19 cases decline

The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country seems to be on the decline with the Sudan Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) confirming 3,250 COVID-19 cases in February compared to 11,383 cases in January. Overall, 61,569 people across the country tested positive for COVID-19, including 3,912 deaths between 3 January 2020 and 4 March 2022.

Sudan’s COVID-19 vaccination target is 20 per cent of the population by June 2022 and 52 per cent by the end of 2022. As of 24 March, a total of 6.13 million COVID-19 vaccines have been administrated across the country bringing the percentage of people fully vaccinated to 5.8 per cent.

Sudan joined the COVAX facility in December 2020 and received the first shipment of AstraZeneca vaccine on 3 March 2021. Since then, vaccines have continued to arrive in the country. On 16 February, a shipment of 604,800 doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccines donated by the Spanish Government arrived in Khartoum. On 11 February, the United States dispatched 774,540 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.

2022 Sudan Refugee Response Plan to assist over one million refugees and people from host communities

On 21 February, UNHCR and partners issued the 2022 Sudan Country Refugee Response Plan (here) targeting 925,000 refugees and benefitting 231,235 people from host communities at a cost of $517 million. Over 1.2 million refugees are expected to be in Sudan by the end of 2022. Refugees will need multi-sectoral interventions to address their needs and to improve self-reliance over the long-term. Investments in local infrastructure and strengthening of gender-sensitive education, health, nutrition and WASH services are also needed to ensure that local services have the capacity to serve the increasing needs of refugees and host communities. This will allow both communities to coexist peacefully.

Sudan is the second largest asylum country in Africa. The country hosts refugees and asylum-seekers mostly from South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Syria, Yemen and other countries such as Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The largest refugee populations in the country are South Sudanese and Ethiopian refugees. Sudan is one of the main hosting countries for South Sudanese refugees with over 800,000 refugees in the country, of whom 3,500 arrived in January 2022. In addition, Sudan hosts over 73,300 Ethiopian refugees across the country, of whom 51,000 refugees arrived in eastern Sudan (Kassala and Gedaref) and Blue Nile State since November 2020 following violence in the Tigray region.

Approximately 70 per cent of Sudan’s refugee population live outside of camps, with local communities which are hosting refugees on their land in towns and villages. This includes refugees in urban areas and more than 100 settlements across the country. Many out-of-camp settlements are in remote and underdeveloped areas, where resources, infrastructure and basic services are very limited.

Highlights

• Hundreds displaced due to inter-communal fighting between two nomadic tribes in South Darfur’s Gereida and Tulus localities.

• People are taking refuge near a military base close to Gereida town.

• At least three villages were burned during the fighting.

• To control the escalating situation, state authorities deployed security forces to the conflict areas to create a buffer between the two tribes.

• An inter-agency assessment mission took place on 6 April and preliminary humanitarian supplies will be distributed to the affected people in the Dika area.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since 26 March, there have been reports of clashes between two nomadic tribes in Gereida and Tulus localities of South Darfur State. Fighting has subsided; however, the situation remains fluid.

Heavy fighting has been reported in Hadoub, Dagama, Idan, Umm Bulula, Hashaba, Sanam El Naga, Abu Jabra and Farfur villages in Gereida locality; and Shergeila, Abu Humeira, and Assafaya villages in Tulus locality. The clashes reportedly stem from an incident on 26 March when a Rapid Support Forces (RSF) soldier from one of the nomadic tribes was killed by unknown perpetrators while traveling from Gereida town to Buram village. The nomadic tribe blamed the other nomadic tribe of the killing, and mobilized forces to attack the tribe’s villages.

On 29 March, an armed nomadic tribe attacked the three nomadic tribe villages of Hashaba, Idan, and Umm Bulula located southwest of Gereida town. More than 20 combatants from both tribes were reportedly killed during the conflict.

On 30 March, the villages of Sanam El Naga, Abu Jabra and Hadoub in Gereida locality were burned, according to the International Organization or Migration (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). The Government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) reported that the inhabitants of Hadoub village, about 500 people (100 families) took their livestock and sought protection near a Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) military base in the Dika area on the outskirts of Gereida town. Most of them are women and children, who are living out in the open and need shelter, food, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) assistance. HAC also reported that on 31 March Dika and Dagama villages were attacked; Dika was burned according to IOM DTM. Inhabitants of Dika village also took refuge close to the military base near Gereida town. HAC and an NGO have registered about 1,760 people (352 families) displaced in the Dika area. The displaced are reportedly under the protection of joint SAF and Police forces. The people displaced from Dika village had initially intended to move to Tulus and Nyala town. However, community elders prevailed on them to stay to maintain their presence on the land which they currently occupy.

To control the escalating situation, state authorities deployed joint security forces in 20 pickup vehicles to the conflict areas to create a buffer between the two tribes. The Governors of South and East Darfur travelled to Gereida with more forces, to contain the situation.

It is estimated that over 100 people have been killed since 29 March, of whom six are reportedly children while two children are missing. Humanitarian partners estimate that around 15,000 people (3,000 families) will likely be affected by the conflict, with displacement to Tulus and Shergeila localities, and camps in Nyala anticipated. The Governor of South Darfur has asked partners to respond to the needs of those displaced by the conflict.

Response

An inter-agency assessment to Gereida was carried out on 6 April. Preliminary humanitarian supplies such as non-food items (NFIs), food and dignity kits will be distributed to the affected people in the Dika area. A partner will register the people affected while the preliminary distributions are taking place. Government security personnel in the area are currently providing the displaced people with water from nearby wells. Another partner will initially provide water bladders, chlorine, and soap, while an in-depth assessment will be carried out soon. Following the findings of the inter-agency assessment mission, yet another partner will provide food assistance if required.

A partner is currently providing emergency health services to the people displaced in the Dika area and have treated nine pregnant women and children and have referred some patients to Nyala. Another partner has provided one medical kit to the Nyala teaching hospital to treat injured cases referred from Gereida. Dignity kits will provide information on gender-based violence (GBV) to affected people and will investigate any GBV cases.

Currently, 850 NFI kits are available for immediate distribution by partners.

Background

An estimated 175,000 people live in Gereida locality, and more than 187,000 are people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the 2022 Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO). About 35,000 people Gereida were in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

An estimated 314,000 people live in Tulus locality, about 65,000 are people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the 2022 HNO. About 31,400 people in Tulus were in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to IPC.

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For more information, please contact:

Sofie Karlsson, Head of Communications and Analysis, OCHA Sudan, karlsson2@un.org, Mob: +249 (0)912 174 456

HIGHLIGHTS

• Renewed conflict in West Darfur's Jebel Moon locality reported as of 5 March.

• Over 12,500 people displaced into neighbouring localities, the Jebel Moon mountains and Chad following fighting between nomads and farmers in the Jebel Moon locality on 10 March 2022.

• According to reports at least 17 people from the Misseriya Jebel and security forces have reportedly been killed and others injured on 10 March.

• Initial reports indicate that three villages in Jebel Moon were completely burnt while six were partially burned.

• The conflict in Jebel Moon is also affecting Sirba and Kulbus localities as cases of killing, looting and displacement were reported.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Renewed conflict in the Jebel Moon locality of West Darfur State between Arab nomads and Misseriya Jebel tribe was reported starting on 5 March. These clashes are a continuation of a major conflict that erupted in mid-November 2021 over land dispute and claimed dozens of lives, loss of property and caused displacement. The situation remains tense.

On 5 March, a group of armed nomads attacked Kharrouba and Jammeina villages (approx. 6 km south of Selea town) in Jebel Moon locality and stole livestock. In response, armed Misseriya Jabal tribesmen clashed with the perpetrators and 12 Misseriya Jabal men were killed, and seven others injured. On 7 March there was an attack on Selea town (the capital of Jabal Moon locality) from three directions (East, South and West). The attack which lasted for approximately three hours, ended when Misseriya Jabal fighters arrived from Jabal Moon to support their people in Selea. Two civilians from the Misseriya Jabal were killed in the attack and two persons were injured and two houses burned in Selea town.

On 10 March, a group of armed nomads on at least 14 vehicles, horsebacks and motorbikes attacked Bardei, Kafaji, Ara, Ghibeish, Hijlieja, Manjura, Kishkish, Fareed North and Simeima villages in Jebel Moon locality. According to reports received, 15 people from the Misseriya Jebel and two soldiers from the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) – who exchanged fire with the perpetrators – were killed. An unknown number of nomads were also reportedly killed. The situation remains volatile as nomads have yet to collect their dead. Initial reports indicate that Bardei, Kafaji and Agra villages have been completely burned while Ghibeish, Hijlieja, Manjura, Kishkish, Fareed North and Simeima villages have been partially burned.

Locals estimate that about 12,500 people have been affected by the recent conflict. This includes the displacement of 2,000 people to Selea; 1,250 people into the Jebel Moon mountains; 3,000 people to Abu Lijam village, and an unknown number have crossed the border into neighbouring Chad. The area remains inaccessible to humanitarians due to the continuing conflict.

The conflict in Jebel Moon is also affecting Sirba and Kulbus localities. Community leaders from Sirba, the government’s Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) Commissioner of Sirba and representatives of Sirba youth report that the conflict in Jebel Moon and Kereneik localities is also affecting their localities, as armed nomads pass through the area to join the fighting or return from it. Daily security incidents are being reported including killing, looting and displacement of people fleeing insecurity. These displacements include about 500 people from Abu Grain and Kimdor villages (Sirba locality) and from Jiljilak, Dibis and Urdi villages (Jebel Moon locality) to Sirba town following the 10 March attack. About 300 people have taken refuge in government buildings while 200 are being hosted by families in Sirba town. Humanitarian organisations have not yet been able to access the areas due to security concerns. An inter-agency assessment will be conducted as soon as the situation permits.

Background

An estimated 68,500 people live in Jebel Moon locality, and more than 46,600 are people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the 2022 Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO). Over 6,800 people in Jebel Moon are in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report.

An estimated 196,000 people live in Sirba locality, and more than 56,000 are people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the 2022 HNO. About 29,400 people in Sirba are in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to IPC.

An estimated 50,000 people live in Kulbus locality, and more than 15,000 are people in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the 2022 HNO. About 5,000 people in Kulbus are in crisis and above levels of food security between October 2021 and February 2022, according to IPC.

For previous flash updates:

• Sudan: Jebel Moon Inter-communal Conflict, Flash Update No: 02 (6 December 2021) [EN/AR]

• Sudan: Jebel Moon Inter-communal Conflict, Flash Update No. 01 (25 November 2021) [EN/AR]

***

For more information, please contact: Sofie Karlsson, Head of Communications and Analysis, OCHA Sudan, karlsson2@un.org, Mob: +249 (0)912 174 456

HIGHLIGHTS

• The situation in parts of Darfur and Kordofan regions remains volatile, with an increase in violence since October and instances of localised conflict between nomads and farmers.

• Thousands of people remain displaced in Darfur and Kordofan and need humanitarian assistance.

• Humanitarian partners are working to undertake humanitarian assessments and provide timely response once security allows.

• Limited humanitarian presence and resources have affected the delivery of humanitarian aid in Yassin locality, East Darfur.

• In East Darfur, 1,572 farms along migratory routes have been destroyed due to conflict between farmers and pastoralists.

• The Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) will support gaps in health, nutrition and WASH activities in Abu Jubayhah, South Kordofan State.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Localised conflict between nomads and farmers has increased since October 2021. These disputes and conflicts exacerbate seasonal inter-communal conflict over access to and use of natural resources. The violence has led to the displacement of thousands of people, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) being subject to secondary displacement.

Humanitarian organisations are collating available information to understand the number of people displaced and in need of humanitarian assistance. Insecurity in some affected areas, limited partner capacity on the ground are affecting these efforts.

DARFUR

Localized conflict incidents have been reported in Central, East, North, South and West Darfur states over the past few weeks. The priority needs of the displaced people include protection, shelter and non-food items (S/NFIs), and food assistance. Most of the affected people are yet to receive support either due to continuing insecurity or due to limited humanitarian presence and resources in some parts of the region.

Central Darfur

Sub-national conflict in Azum locality

People who fled their homes in Um Shalaya village (about 15 km south of Azum locality) earlier this month are not able to return to their homes as the security situation remains fluid, with random shootings at night; farm destruction; and fears of attack and robbery.

Raising tensions in Hamidiya IDP camp

On 18 December, unidentified armed people attacked a meeting in Hameedia IDP camp where the sheikh (traditional leader) of the camp and a team from the previous Wali’s office (governor) were discussing the IDPs representation. No major causalities were reported. The situation has calmed down, but the issue of who represents the IDPs has not been resolved.

Pending needs assessment in Bendasi Locality due to security concerns: Following the conflict on 10 December in Bendasi locality, humanitarian partners were planning to carry out a needs assessment in 10 villages affected by the conflict. However, the planned assessment was delayed due to security concerns. Partners are monitoring the situation and once the security situation allows, needs assessment will be conducted. It is estimated that 11,000 people fled to Wadi Saleh and Bendasi town and some crossed the border to Chad.

East Darfur

Lack of humanitarian assistance in Labado and Yassin villages, Yassin locality

Recent monitoring missions to Yassin locality revealed that the locality lacks basic services, with an urgent need for health, WASH, nutrition, and protection services. In addition, limited humanitarian presence and resources have affected the delivery of humanitarian assistance in the area.

North Darfur

Insecurity continues in areas around Zamzam IDP camp

On 18 December, the joint forces that were deployed to the Zamzam IDP camp to provide protection and security relocated to El Fasher town as the situation is currently calm in the camp. However, IDPs do not feel safe to access farms or collect firewood and fodder outside the camp due to the presence of armed nomads on motorbikes and camels in the area. On 19 December, a group of pastoralists reportedly stole goats from Dibaneyra village (about 6 km northwest of Zamzam IDP camp) and from Abu Zerega village (15 km south of Zamzam IDP camp). Tensions between nomads and IDPs of Zamzam camp escalated on 6 December when a group of pastoralists was attacked at Hashaba village (about 20km southwest of El Fasher town) by an unknown armed group, resulting in four deaths and three injuries.

South Darfur

Over 3,100 displaced people return to their homes in Manawashi area, Mershing locality

On 12 December, HAC in South Darfur reported that 3,134 people (656 families) who were displaced from Amar Jadeed and surrounding villages to Manawashi IDP camp returned to their homes. They fled their homes after armed pastoralists attacked the village in early December, killing three farmers. The attack came after a livestock herder was killed by farmers in the north Manawashi town in late November.

Temporary displacement from Beliel locality to Otash IDP camp

On 7 December, IOM reported the temporary displacement of more than 250 people (50 families) to Otash IDP camp due to conflict between farmers and nomads in Mowe village of Beliel locality. Reports indicate that three farmers were injured, 14 donkeys and personal belongings were looted, and several farms were destroyed. According to HAC, this conflict has now been resolved, and the IDPs who were temporarily displaced in the Otash camp will return to their home areas.

West Darfur

About 5,000 people displaced due to fighting in Kereneik locality

Following the attacks between 9 and 11 December in Juruf, Moku, and Kirkir villages in the northern and north-eastern parts of Kereneik locality, about 5,000 people were displaced from 20 villages. According to some community leaders from Juruf village, the displaced people have started to return to their villages. IDPs are concerned about the presence and composition of protection forces in Kereneik town, as some forces are reportedly aligned with the perpetrators.

On 14 December, a team from Federal and State HAC visited Kereneik town. According to HAC officials, the displaced and affected people need food, shelter, water, and non-food items (NFIs) assistance. The IDPs are living out in the open, with no shelter and blankets to protect them from the cold weather and they have lost their possessions due to the looting and burning of their homes. An inter-agency assessment is being planned to verify the number of people affected and assess their needs.

Situation in Jebel Moon remains the same despite the agreement reached between community leaders

On 13 December, community leaders of Misseriya Jebel and Arab tribes who recently signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in Ag Geneina travelled to Jebel Moon locality to communicate peace messages. The situation in Jebel Moon remains tense and unpredictable, with no reports of IDP returns. Nomads in Jebel Moon still do not have access to services in Selea due to insecurity in the area and humanitarians in the area will take this into consideration when they respond to the needs of people affected in Jebel Moon. According to some reports, the road to Sirba and Jebel Moon has opened in the past week with a flow of commercial trucks and vehicles.

A community initiative named “Stand for Jebel Moon” provided food, and NFIs for 500 families affected by the conflict between 4 and 15 December. The initiative is made up of national NGOs, community-based organizations (CBOs), women groups, youth groups, and community leaders representing IDPs in Ag Geneina and the host community.

Krinding IDPs still fear returning to camps

HAC reported that the majority of IDPs who had returned to Krinding IDP camp over the past two months from gathering sites in Ag Geneina town started to return to the gathering sites due to fears of possible attacks following the security incidents in Kereneik town. In early December, IOM and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) on behalf of Site Management working group had verified that about 3,000 people (598 households) had returned to Krinding camps from gathering sites in Ag Geneina. HAC reported about 1,300 people (263 households) are currently in the camp, while IDP leaders said about 3,200 people (645 households) had returned to the camps and need to be verified.

KORDOFANS

Thousands of people have been displaced recently due conflict in South Kordofan. Priority needs of the displaced people are NFIs, food, and access to health and WASH services. Most of the affected have yet to receive humanitarian assistance either due to ongoing conflict or pending humanitarian assessments to determine needs, once the security situation allows In Abu Jubayhah locality, humanitarian organizations resumed their operations following a suspension of activities between 30 November and 6 December.

South Kordofan

Situation deteriorates in Dalami, triggering displacement

On 10 December, around 2,000 people from Kadbar were displaced to Dalami area due to an attack on farmers from Nuba tribe. HAC and IOM visited Dalami and registered some 1,900 people (380 IDP families) who are yet to receive humanitarian assistance. On 12 December, FAO visited the area and will be sharing further information in the coming week. Humanitarian partners are closely monitoring the situation and are ready to respond.

Humanitarians resume operations in Abu Jubayhah

After conflict erupted on 30 November in Abu Jubayhah locality, humanitarian organizations resumed operations one week after the security situation improved. On 7 December, HAC and the Sudanese Red Crescent (SRC) conducted a humanitarian needs assessment in Abu Jubayhah locality. Findings of the assessment indicate that some 13,600 people were displaced including 4,672 people (700 households) to Rashad and 8,800 people (1,615 households) to Al Rahmania areas. Food and non-food items are the most urgent needs.

RESPONSE

Humanitarian response is being planned or underway in certain locations. However, safety and security challenges remain which impede timely access to some locations. Partners are working to undertake inter-agency needs assessments, stock mapping, and identifying gaps and financial resources available to provide emergency assistance.

In East Darfur, the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) will allocate US$300,000 to support water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), health, nutrition, and protection services targeting the new IDPs and returnees in Malwei village, Yassin locality. Additional support is needed to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the locality.

Following the return of IDPs to Amar Jadeed from Manawashi IDP camp in South Darfur, the INGO World Vision International (WVI) has resumed routine operations in Mershing locality that was interrupted due to insecurity. Food distributions will resume from 26 December, and WASH and health services are currently available.

For South Kordofan, the SHF is processing funds for health, nutrition and WASH activities in Abu Jubayhah locality. INGOs and line ministries carried out needs assessments in affected areas in the locality on 7 December. Following the outcome of the assessment mission, humanitarian organizations resumed their operations in Abu Jubayhah locality. Findings indicate that NFIs, food, health and WASH assistance are the priority needs. The trader's union in Abu Jubayhah, with support from Khartoum, provided 1,500 blankets, and one bag of sorghum per family for IDPs in Rashad and Al Rahmania. In addition, SDG 5 million (about $11,428) was distributed amongst the 2,315 affected families. OCHA and partners are following up with partners, and the SHF will look into funding for gaps in health, nutrition, and WASH.

The 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for Sudan has been finalized and is out, please see the full report at this link.

Humanitarian needs continue to grow across Sudan as the economic situation and food insecurity continue to affect millions of people. About 14.3 million people - almost one in every three persons - are estimated to need humanitarian assistance in 2022.

The 2022 HRP will seek to provide assistance and support to 10.9 million most vulnerable people in Sudan – IDPs, people who have recently returned to their places of origin, refugees being hosted by Sudan and vulnerable Sudanese. In 2021, humanitarian partners reached more than 8.1 million people with some form of assistance.

This plan, a collective effort of all humanitarian actors and stakeholders in the country, will complement government strategies and priorities to reduce humanitarian needs. The plan will address the specific needs of women, children, the disabled, and other vulnerable groups.

For more information on the 2022 HRP, please see the document here.

For more information on humanitarian needs in 2022, go to the 2022 HNO here.

Galal* is a healthy 1-year-old baby boy who loves to laugh. He is alive and thriving today with the help of the Alight programmes funded by the Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SHF) and other donors in eastern Sudan.

Galal’s mother brought him and his 10-year-old sister to the Tunaydbah refugee settlement in eastern Sudan in November 2020 after a day-long trek from Ethiopia’s Tigray region. He was emaciated, underweight and lethargic. His mother suffered from liver cancer and was unable to properly care for him. She passed away three weeks after they arrived at the camp, leaving Galal in the care of his sister.

Immediately, Alight protection workers supported by SHF funds identified the two children for care and assistance. They placed them with families in the settlement. Galal required more care than the families could provide and his sister did not fit in with the temporary foster family. They ended up living on their own.

Baby Galal recovers at Alight clinic

At the same time, Galal’s condition was worsening. He was suffering from severe diarrhoea complicated by malnutrition. With medical care delayed, he developed life-threatening shock due to severe dehydration.

The Alight medical team provided the immediate medical attention Galal required to treat moderate acute malnutrition. With a few more days in a primary healthcare centre funded by the SHF, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, his condition and health improved.

Nationwide, the focus by the government authorities and humanitarian organizations on child and maternal health have helped reduce infant mortality from 68 deaths per 1,000 births in 2000 to 52 deaths in 2014; and under-five child mortality from 104 to 68 for the same period. More progress is still needed, however, especially regarding nutrition, as more than half of child deaths result from malnutrition.

Meanwhile, Alight’s protection team continued to search for a family or relative to take care of Galal and his sister. In coordination with Sudan’s Commission of Refugees, Galal’s aunt was moved from the Hamdayet border reception camp and reunited with the children in Tunaydbah.

“They all are doing very well now. Galal was discharged and I follow up his case regularly,” said Dr. Oscar Fudalan, Acting Health Manager in Gedaref. “It is all part of the life-saving work we do, thanks to all our partners.”

In 2020, 10 per cent of SHF funding was allocated to nutrition activities, targeting more than 400,000 people. This trend continued in 2021, with US$3 million out of a total of $33 million allocated to nutrition to date.

The Sudan Humanitarian Fund is a country-based pooled fund managed by OCHA Sudan under the leadership of the Humanitarian Coordinator. It collects donor contributions to make timely funding directly available to humanitarian partners working on the ground so they can deliver effective fit for purpose life-saving and life-sustaining assistance and protection to the most vulnerable people in need.

For more on SHF and how to donate, please see the link.

This story has also been published on the UN OCHA website.

* Baby Galal’s name has been changed to protect his privacy.