Press Release: Over 26,000 people flee to Uganda to escape uncertainty in South Sudan (22.07.2016)

Kiryandongo

The influx continues to be characterised by a high proportion of women and children (more than 90%).

GENEVA, Switzerland, July 22, 2016 Thousands of people continue to flee uncertainty and fighting in South Sudan. Since fighting erupted on July 7 between forces loyal to President Kiir and First Vice President Machar, 26,468 people have crossed into Uganda’s northern region, including 24,321 in the previous six days alone. The influx continues to be characterised by a high proportion of women and children (more than 90%). 

Yesterday, an estimated 8,337 refugees crossed in to Uganda from South Sudan, a new record high since the influx began and in 2016. An estimated 6,500 crossed in Elegu, 659 in Moyo, 156 in Lamwo and 642 in Oraba while 380 arrived in Kiryandongo Reception Centre.

The influx is severely stretching the capacity of collection points, transit centres and reception centres. Elegu collection point is full to the extent that it is not possible conduct a head count. New arrivals figures in Elegu are based on an analysis of trends throughout the day. On Wednesday night, more than 7,000 people slept at Elegu collection point, significantly beyond its 1,000-person capacity. Similarly, Kuluba collection point is hosting 1,099 refugees, compared to its 300-person capacity. Torrential rains are further hampering registration efforts.

New arrivals in Adjumani report continued fighting between forces loyal to President Kiir and those loyal to First Vice-President Machar. There are reports that armed gunmen continue to loot properties, forcibly recruit boys and young men, and murder civilians in Magwi.

Another Uganda People’s Defense Force convoy evacuating Ugandan nationals from South Sudan is expected today. On previous occasions, a large number of refugees have taken the opportunity to flee the country by accompanying the convoy.

Breaking: SPLM-IO Gen. Taban Deng Gai soon to replace Dr. Riek Machar for the First Vice President of South Sudan

“According to Mr William Ezekiel, the SPLM/IO spokesman in Juba and a leader of the Shilluk community within SPLM/IO told the media that movement is planning to replace Dr. Riek Machar with Taban Deng Gai” (Dominic D., 2016).

Zimbabwe: #ThisFlag Values!

#ThisFlag Values 2016

“A team of volunteers has gone through 100000’s of your comment’s, tweets and whatapp messages. Amongst many, these are the COMMON #Thisflag values that everyone has expressed” (#ThisFlag on Facebook, 2016).

South Sudan crisis: President Kiir not prepared to wait indefinitely for Machar’s return (Youtube-Clip)

“South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, says he’s not prepared to wait indefinitely for his vice president, Riek Machar, to return to the capital, Juba. He has threatened to replace his rival in order to get the country’s peace process back on track” (CCTV News, 2016)

Press Release: Sharp rise in suspected cholera cases in South Sudan (21.07.2016)

South Kordofan Sudan

The Juba Teaching Hospital reported that 69 new suspected cases were admitted on Wednesday, bringing the total number of people being treated in the capital to 112.

JUBA, South Sudan, July 21, 2016 – Amid a rise in the number of suspected cases of cholera in South Sudan, UNICEF is rapidly increasing its response activities.

The Juba Teaching Hospital reported that 69 new suspected cases were admitted on Wednesday, bringing the total number of people being treated in the capital to 112. An additional 29 suspected cases had been reported in Duk Island in Jonglei state. Nationwide, there are now 141 suspected cholera cases with six reported deaths.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partner agencies, UNICEF is providing medical supplies, sanitation services and community awareness.

“A fast and coordinated response is key to preventing a cholera outbreak,” said Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF’s Representative in South Sudan. “That’s underway, despite the fact that life in Juba was completely brought to a standstill for days by the recent violence and many humanitarian organizations have since evacuated staff.”

UNICEF and partners are providing medicines, intravenous drips and other items used to treat the illness. Three triage tents have been erected to serve as additional wards should the number of cases continue to increase. Chlorine has been provided for use in the handwashing stations put in place in the isolation unit. Elsewhere in Juba, five oral rehydration points have been established where people who feel ill can receive rehydration solutions and be referred to a clinic.

Community mobilizers are working to prevent further infections by educating the public on measures they can take to keep themselves safe, such as drinking only safe water and eating cooked food.

At the UN protection of civilians site – where thousands continue to shelter following the fighting that erupted in Juba nearly two weeks ago – daily water supplies continue to be provided, despite initial challenges of access. The water is then treated with chlorine.

Cases of cholera across the country remain unconfirmed due to a critical lack of the laboratory equipment needed to obtain a diagnosis, which humanitarian organizations are working to address.

Letter from Journalists South Sudan ask permission to access the people of the PoC Sites in Juba! (20.07.2016)

South Sudan Letter 20.07.2016

President Salva Kiir insists more AU troops not welcome in Juba (Youtube-Clip)

“South Sudan has reaffirmed its rejection of a proposal by the African Union to send in additional troops to help stabilize the country. In an exclusive interview with CCTV Africa, President Salva Kiir said he had not been consulted on the matter and would not agree to more foreign troops being deployed in his country” (CCTV Africa, 2016).

South Sudan Update: Machar to be Replaced (Youtube-Clip)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDdktMHKj1A

“South Sudanese information and broadcasting minister has confirmed on reports that the country’s First Vice President, Riek Machar, could be replaced from his position by another official from his faction in accordance with the provision of the August 2015 peace agreement” (NBS TV Uganda, 2016).

Sky News | Pastor Evan Mawarire breaks down during interview (Youtube-Clip)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EBRsjH5jWmI

“Sky News team interview Pastor Evan Mawarire in South Africa after they were thrown out of Zimbabwe” (Dreams of Zimbabwe, 2016).

Mugabe denounces protest pastor Mawarire (Youtube-Clip)

“Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe denounces the popular pastor Evan Mawarire who this month led anti-government protests” (AFP, 2016)