South Sudan Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Validates Inaugural Disaster Risk Management Policy (07.12.2016)

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‘Dangerous funding gap’ may lead to more cuts in food rations for refugees in Kenya – UN (08.12.2016)

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Beginning this month, the UN agency was forced to reduce food ration by half for the refugees’ monthly entitlement, which will only last until the end of February if no further funding received.

NAIROBI, Kenya, December 8, 2016 -Forced to make a new round of cuts in food rations for refugees in Kenya, the World Food Programme (WFP) has appealed urgently for nearly $14 million to feed the 434,000 refugees living in Kenya’s Dadaab and Kakuma camps and in the new Kalobeyei settlement.

“We are appealing to donors to quickly come to the aid of the refugees, who rely on WFP food assistance for survival,” Annalisa Conte, WFP’s Representative and Country Director for Kenya, said in a news release.

WFP currently provides food relief to refugees in Kenya’s Dadaab and Kakuma camps, as well as the newly established Kalobeyei settlement. This assistance comes as cash transfers and food distributions. For those most vulnerable, the agency also offers specialized fortified foods to prevent malnutrition.

“WFP immediately requires $13.7 million to cover the food and cash needs for the refugees between December and April,” stressed Ms. Conte.

Beginning this month, the UN agency was forced to reduce food ration by half for the refugees’ monthly entitlement, which will only last until the end of February if no further funding received.

While cash transfers have not yet been cut, they are due to be exhausted by the end of January. If the agency is forced to discontinue the cash transfers, however, it will specifically affect 7,500 refugees in the recently launched Kalobeyei settlement, as the only form of food assistance they receive is cash.

“A generous and critically important $22 million shipment of food from the United States is en route to Dadaab and Kakuma and should be available for distribution by May,” Ms. Conte said, while warning: “But we have a dangerous gap in funding until then.”

She further reiterated that without an urgent response from other donors, WFP will completely run out of food for more than 400,000 people in Dadaab and Kakuma at the end of February.

U.S. Statement on Increased Violence and Atrocities in Equatoria, South Sudan (05.12.2016)

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South Sudan: Horror and violence is rampant; civilians are in the cross-fire!

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Just as Radio Tamazuj has been through a scandalous closure after being reviewed by certain organizations for their coverage of the recent months of violence between the SPLM/A and the SPLM/A-IO, that have been. This proves the situation and the dire state of the South Sudan.

While this is happens the Catholic Radio Network reports:

Be friendly and exposed to media to reach your expectations and needs of your people, Managing Director of Hamming Bird Action for Peace and Development in Yambio advises. Minaida Peter Jamus says once people are flexible in carrying community work using media, there will be easy education and collection of feedback from the community, Radio Anisa reports. He urges workers to be creative and active in carrying their responsibilities” (CRN, 02.12.2016).

The UN Reported on possible situation similar to the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, as the battles between the government and rebels continues sparking in different regions of the country. Days after this the Norwegian Government pops by Juba to congratulate the Police Officers that gone through their programme in the country.

While the UNMISS has enough work to keep the crowds and citizens fleeing the battles into the Protection of Civilians sites, just by October 2016 the 9 sites in the republic, that is in the states of Central Equatoria, Unity, Upper Nile, Jonglei and Western Bahr El Ghazal. These PoC sites had 204,918 civilians, that we’re reported on 1st November 2016. These are staggering numbers are civilians fleeing from internal conflict and power-struggle between the big-men of the republic.

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Oxfam is reporting that the Uganda is accepting about 4,000 refugees daily from the South Sudan. This is happening while the Ugandan Government and big-men tries to keep their businesses alive in Juba. Together with the army has showed that they have sold weapons to SPLA, as even been reported in UN Reports been sold without valid records.

Human Rights Watch has been able to report that rebels and even government troops has recruited child soldiers inside the battles, this is happening while the reports of 4000 huts been burned in and around the Wau. How many more huts and villages that been attacked during the recent months. Can only the world wonder and even the soldiers themselves in the hunt of following orders of the big-men’s quest of either power or continuing to hold power. In Yei River State the government forces and the rebels have destroyed about 1900 huts, where the people used to live (Cathrine Molly McPhee, 02.12.2016).

The UNMISS will get more Bangladeshi Peacekeepers has they have promised more troops and the Japanese will extend their mandate in South Sudan. The Ethiopian Government has said they will banish the SPLM/A-IO from having bases inside the country, as they don’t accept Dr. Riek Machar presence anymore. While the SPLM/A-IO are reported to have bases inside Democratic Republic of Congo, where there said that MONUSCO is providing safety for certain parts of the SPLM/A-IO. Even as the DRC Government also said they do not need another guerrilla or militia inside their borders. As they want a friendly relationship with Juba government. Still, the fluid borders leave the possibility of the rebels to stay there.

The SPLM/A-IO have even been banished from Kenya and even their senior leadership and spokesperson has been deported to the capital of the republic without any for-warning as the Kenyatta Government trying to also have a friendly relationship with the Juba government as they want to in the future have a possibility of a crude-oil pipeline down to Lamu-Port and the LAPSSET. So the economic aspect means more than the actual peace, as the Kenyan Government also working on pulling out their forces inside the UNMISS mission as they feel disrespected for axing of the Lt. Gen. Ondieki after the July skirmishes inside Juba. While China has offered something new to the UNMISS today: “China will send an infantry battalion of 700 peacekeepers in South Sudan, including a 13-soldier female squad, the army unit dispatching them said Friday. It is the third batch of Chinese peacekeepers sent to South Sudan. From Sunday, they will take United Nations charter flights to the mission area, replacing the second batch of Chinese peacekeepers. The female infantry squad will carry out humanitarian relief and protect the rights of women and children, said Ding Hailong, battalion commander” (NF Online, 02.12.2016).

The United Nations Security Council is working on Arms Embargo, but nothing is really happening on the matter; the world is waiting on the shelving of it or making it soft so the arms rise can continue between the between the forces.

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This is happening while the reports yesterday prove that the neighbours help President Salva Kiir Mayardit with guns:

The reported said South Sudan embassy deputy attaché in Ethiopia Lt. Col. Solomon Tor Kang has sent a quotation of 55,000 US dollars to South Sudan army chief Gen. Paul Malong Awan in the light of dispatching the military packages. Ethiopia’s Defence Ministry supplied South Sudan embassy in Ethiopia with fifty five thousand US dollars quotation as charges for transport fees from Dukem/Daluta to Debrezeit Air Force Base, the amount is inclusive of air base handling, loading and offloading fees, says the document” (…) “This military hardware awaiting passage to Juba include 20,000 pieces of Rocket 107 MM, 7,964 quantities of 60 MM Mortar, 20,000 pieces of RGD-5 Hand Grenade and among other classifications of different kinds of military hardware” (Ethsat, 01.12.2016).

So the arms continues from the good friends to delivered, as the government and rebels are having harder and harder time to deliver aid and needed supplies to the civilians. We can wonder why the International Community isn’t answering with stronger mandate and acts on the rebellion that started yet again in July 2016.

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So the continues infighting in different areas together with the international support of the PoC sites and get the needed supplies. Together with the reports of drought and lacking systems of food security in many areas, that might even get hit worse in early 2017. This is happening while the reports of violence, possible genocide and epidemic of rapes. These reports are brutal and this could be our sisters and brothers that are living in crisis, forgotten and not seen as important by their own republic. A republic that does what they can to keep power for the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) who uses all sorts of army force and decrees to silence their own.

We cannot imagine the horrors and violence that the civilians endure, as they are going to unsecure situations and waiting in foreign nations like DRC, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda. As the neighbours is even selling weapons to the Juba Administration that will keep up the violence towards their own civilians, Peace!

South Sudan: Dr. Riek Machar Appoints Cde. Henry L. Odwar and Cde. Peter Regibigo Tingo into Central Leadership roles in SPLM/A-IO (01.12.2016)

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South Sudan: CTSAMM Team Sucessfully reaches Yei Town (30.11.2016)

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South Sudan: Humanitarian Coordinator deeply concerned by bureaucratic impediments and access constraints (30.11.2016)

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Some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded from 1 to 28 November.

NEW YORK, United States of America, November 30, 2016 – The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan is deeply concerned by a recent series of bureaucratic impediments and access constraints that have negatively impacted humanitarian organizations’ ability to assist people in need.

“Humanitarian organizations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country,” said Mr. Eugene Owusu, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan. “Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts. This must stop.”

Some 91 humanitarian access incidents were recorded from 1 to 28 November. Of these, 70 per cent (64) involved violence against humanitarian personnel/assets, while 20 per cent (18) involved interference in humanitarian action, including interference in administrative matters (4), illegal or arbitrary taxation (4) and expulsion of staff (2). Also in November, aid workers were denied access to areas outside of Yei town in Central Equatoria and Wau town in Western Bahr El Ghazal, where tens of thousands of people are in need of assistance and protection.

“I am appreciative of the steps taken by the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to tackle the impediments we face on a daily basis, including through His Excellency the President’s establishment of the Humanitarian High-Level Oversight Committee,” said Mr. Owusu. “However, these recent events are a major concern and it is vital that we see the commitments made in high-level fora fully translate into real, tangible and immediate improvements in the operating environment for aid workers on the frontlines of humanitarian action.”

Humanitarian needs in South Sudan continue to rise as a result of conflict and economic decline. Nearly three million people have now been displaced since fighting first broke out in December 2013, including 1.9 million who are internally displaced and more than 1.1 million who have fled to neighbouring countries as refugees. To date in 2016, humanitarian organizations in South Sudan have reached more than 4.1 million people with assistance and protection across the country, including in some of the most remote areas.

“I am tremendously proud of the aid workers across this country who are working tirelessly day-in and day-out to help people in need,” said Mr. Owusu. “I call on all parties to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access so that our colleagues can reach and assist people whose lives have been torn apart by this crisis. Regardless of where they are in the country, civilians in need have a right to receive help.”

Uncovered: Not lacking leadership, but other reasons for the axing of Lt. Gen. Ondieki from UNMISS

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“All the peacekeeping missions which have been established after 1992 are complex, multidimensional operations involving military, civilian police and civilian components. Their mandates are also very broad, covering a broad range of issues from traditional peacekeeping, to civilian protection to post-agreement peacebuilding” (International Policy Group, P: 14, 2016).

We have read, seen pictures and footage of the atrocities that happen in July 2016 in Juba as the SPLM/A and SPLM/A-IO went from each other in the stirring conflict in South Sudan, where the two leaders President Salva Kiir and Dr. Riek Machar has gone back to battlefield instead of dialogue. This happen as the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGNU) we’re about to be set-up and the peace-agreement we’re to be honoured by both parties.

Than the skirmishes and battles in the capital started, some of the action happens near the UN House of Juba and the Camp-site of Internally Displaced People together with the looting of the UN World Food Programme there as well. This was all evidence of the lacking management of the Kenyan Military Officer, but now there a report countering that argument for the sacking. It is worth dropping the knowledge to see if the Kenyan Government had it right to feel unjustifiable sacked from his position.  The man that had to fall on his sword was Lt. Gen. Johnson Ondieki.

Ban Ki Moon decision:

“The decision by the Secretary General was argued to have been made based on an independent investigative report conducted by the Danish Major-General Patrick Cammaert on the violence that had occurred in Juba from July 8 to 25 2016. However, after a careful investigation of the situation that surrounded the conflict, the independent report and its recommendations, and the systematic problems in the UNMISS framework, it is evident that the firing of Lieut-Gen Ondieki was not only unorthodox and a blatant violation of UN procedures, powers and processes, but was also an expedient political decision by the Secretary-General to turn the Kenyan soldier into a sacrificial lamb in order to appease and ward off pressures from some Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council, mainly the United States of America and Britain” (International Policy Group, P: 12, 2016).

“Independent investigations into the Juba conflict have revealed a clear cover-up, with the USA mishandling the safety of its citizens and agents by not offering the proper protection when requested, leading to the violation in the Terrain compound. This investigative report on the circumstances leading to the removal and replacement of Lieut-Gen Ondieki as UNMSS force commander relied on a comprehensive review of official and non-official documents from the United Nations available on its website, UN documents on rules of engagement and procedures governing the code of conduct and dismissal procedures were consulted” (International Policy Group, P: 13, 2016).

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Key Strategic lacking will to act on Commands:

“A UN investigation on the attack showed that it took UN peacekeepers more than 12 hours to intervene, despite being next to the camp. Moreover, the investigation found that the Indian contingent refused to deploy troops or heavy armor to the area of fighting to defend civilians; the Ethiopians slept through the entire incident; while the Rwandan contingent insisted on written approval before acting. Finally, it is only the Rwandan contingent that responded to the violence and protected civilians. The investigation committee recommended several changes to the mission. Whether the UN or UNMISS implemented the recommendations is remains unclear: What is clear is that no action was taken against the Force Commander, the SRSG, or any other senior mission staff” (International Policy Group, P: 17 ,2016).

“Pressure from the UNP5, especially members from USA and UK, made the SG to make the decision without taking into consideration the investigations or recommendations made. The evidence, points to a clear gross violation and misconduct by the Secretary General’s decision, which was not only discriminatory against Lieut-Gen Ondieki, but was also an expedient political decision violating UN procedures and regulations” (International Policy Group, P: 21 ,2016).

“Lieut-Gen Ondieki had no direct control of deployment or response of the troops who were in the areas, according the UNMISS commanding framework. According to the rules of engagement, Lieut-Gen Ondieki could only send an order to the lead commanders who were in Juba, but they did not accept it. Therefore, Ban Ki-moon’s dismissal of Lieut- Gen Ondieki is not only an error in judgment, it is also unjust discrimination and a gross violation of his rights” (International Policy Group, P: 23 ,2016).

Recommendations:

UN Reformed to Ensure Effectiveness: UN Missions in Africa need to be reformed because without fundamental restructuring, particularly to counter UNMISS structural and systemic dysfunction, similar crises are very likely to recur. These reforms are therefore a critical consideration that must feature in future UN mandated missions in Africa.

AMISS – African Mission in Southern Sudan: An Africa Mission in Southern Sudan should be formed to replace UNMISS. A UN and AU-mandated Africa Mission in Southern Sudan (AMISS) may be the best mechanism for peace operations today. Such a mechanism will be more responsive and better anticipate emerging trends and solutions therein and in line with the African Union’s maxim of “African solutions to African Problems” (International Policy Group, P: 38, 2016)

It seems that Lt. Gen. Ondieki we’re picked out because of lose procedures between the different nations and their brigades in the UNMISS operation in the Republic of South Sudan. Is also questionable that the Danish leader Løj pulls itself out before the internal investigations before the Military Leadership are investigated; therefore the blame fall all on the Kenyan Lt.Gen. Ondieki get the blame, instead on the one that we’re on the top who was Løj at the time. Secondly that the leadership of the battalions we’re not reacting to the command and will of the general to get in line when the skirmishes between the South Sudanese forces happen in July.

We are allowed to question Ban Ki Moons reason for the sacking that he didn’t follow procedure and didn’t do a thorough decision when he made arrangement for termination of the contract of Lt. Gen. Ondieki, he we’re even offered a trip to New York for orientation, as he was new in his leadership role in the UMISS in June, so it wasn’t like he had a long time to settle before the battles started again between the South Sudanese forces.

The procedures should have been in place and it seems to be easy to put the blame on the Kenyan General instead of trying to swallow pride and says that the UNMISS needs amends that even been asked for since 2011. Peace.

Reference:

International Policy Group – ‘Children of a lesser God – Report of the investigation into the power politics behind the removal of the Kenyan Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – November 2016

Population Displacement Continues to Rise in South Sudan (25.11.2016)

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The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continues to rise, and has now reached an all-time high of 1.87 million since December 2013, according to recent UN figures.

JUBA, South Sudan, November 25, 2016 –As the armed conflict in South Sudan approaches its fourth year, civilians continue to flee the violence that has gripped much of the country and resulted in vast humanitarian needs.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) continues to rise, and has now reached an all-time high of 1.87 million since December 2013, according to recent UN figures. Over 212,000 IDPs are hosted in UN protection of civilian (PoC) sites across the country.

The IDP population at the PoC site in Bentiu, Unity, has reached more than 108,300, representing an increase of over 14 percent since August, and matching levels not seen since April of this year. More than 7,300 people have arrived at the site since the end of October, largely from Koch, Leer and Rubkona counties.

Insecurity and corresponding increases in humanitarian needs in these parts of Unity are likely driving the increase in displacement to the PoC site. Fighting, particularly in Leer, is likely to continue prompting people to move to the Bentiu PoC site or more stable areas in Unity.

“Worsening trends of insecurity are preventing IDPs from returning to their homes in many parts of the country. While civilians are grappling with deteriorating humanitarian conditions, access constraints are making it more difficult for IOM and relief agencies to deliver aid to the most vulnerable, particularly in recent weeks,” said IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission William Barriga.

As camp manager at the Bentiu PoC site, IOM tracks entries and exits at the site. It also registers IDPs for the efficient delivery of humanitarian services, and supplies relief agencies with data to inform response planning.

Displacement figures also remain high in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, the site of heavy fighting in June and ongoing insecurity. Over 41,000 people, the highest number since June, are sheltering at the PoC site adjacent to the UNMISS base and in collective centres across Wau town, according to IOM-led population counts.

Of the 174 IDPs who arrived at the Wau PoC site last week, all cited security concerns as their core motivation for seeking protection at the site.

Outside the town, IOM and humanitarian agencies have been unable to consistently provide assistance to populations in areas south of Wau, due to bureaucratic constraints and blockages since early July.

Violence also continues to drive increased displacement in other parts of the country, including areas around Yei, Central Equatoria.

Nearly 3 million South Sudanese have fled their homes in the past three years. With over 1.1 million refugees in neighbouring countries, over 362,000 people have fled the country since July, according to the UN Refugee Agency.

IOM continues to coordinate with relief partners to provide multi-sector humanitarian assistance to displaced and conflict-affected people across South Sudan.

South Sudan: PDM Press Statement on recent Massacres following the President’s Inflamatory Rhetoric against Equatorians (24.11.2016)

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