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Mali: Food vouchers to find serenity in Mali: Fatoumata's story

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Source: Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development
Country: Mali

Feeding a family: The daily challenges of a woman caring for her household

Fatoumata is a single mother raising a family of 10 members, composed of her children and grand children. Since her husband died, she has to provide food for her family’s needs on her own. Before the crisis, she was a farmer cultivating millet, sorghum, cowpeas, and melon. Today, due to the insecurity in the area and the significant presence of armed groups, she does not want to go to the fields anymore. Thus, she decided to reorient herself and start a small business. She’s now selling products from livestock activities such as meat, milk and cream in Menaka market and in her neighborhood.

In Menaka region, a large number of women previously sold products from agricultural or livestock activities and suffered strongly from the weakening of these activities during the crisis. Her marketing was stopped during the conflict due to the destruction of most of the markets. Also, with the high insecurity in the area due to the conflict, there were limited movements of people for business activities.

Improving food security and revitalizing the local economy through food vouchers

In 2016, through Food For Peace support, ACTED distributed food vouchers to over 8,000 vulnerable households. They also received a voucher for asset exchangeable for 1 goat and cattle feed for 3 months. This project facilitated the improvement of food security among the most vulnerable households of Menaka region. At the end of the project, more than 70% of the beneficiaries declared that the assistance improved their life conditions thanks to a better access to food and the increased size of their herd. Furthermore, the local economy has been revitalized through the business activities generated by the project as ACTED procured all products (food, goats, feed for cattle) from local suppliers in each commune.

A recent survey conducted by ACTED in the region of Menaka reveals that one third of households have no sources of income. The survey also indicates that before the project, 34 % of households had a poor food consumption score and 71% of them had no food stocks for household consumption. Based on this dire situation, without an external support, poor household were not able to cover their basic needs and have a decent life.

“Thanks to ACTED’s support, I can feed my family and go to bed without the anxiety of finding food for the next day”, testified Fatoumata. Fatoumata received vouchers for food giving her the chance to provide for her family’s basic food inputs such as rice, semolina, tomato paste, milk and vegetable oil. Thanks to this food she was able to feed her family for more than three months and finally have a less stressful life. Also, with the goat she got, she could continue to develop her business activity and improve her income.


World: Conflict Trends (no. 50): Real-time analysis of African political violence, July 2016

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Source: Armed Conflict Location and Events Dataset
Country: Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Nigeria, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, World, Zimbabwe

Welcome to the July issue of the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project’s (ACLED) Conflict Trends report. Each month, ACLED researchers gather, analyse and publish data on political violence in Africa in realtime. Weekly updates to realtime conflict event data are published on the ACLED website, and are also available through our research partners at Climate Change and African Political Stability (CCAPS). 

This month’s issue focuses on a decrease in overall violence levels in the Central African Republic and a rise in clashes between nomadic herders in the northwest and settled populations; Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) reform protests that have concentrated in Nairboi and the Nyanza  region of Kenya and increased attacks in Juba in South Sudan. A Special Report explores the geography of protest across Africa to understand how protest patterns and dynamics reflect local political contexts.    

Elsewhere on the continent, Nigerian military forces successfully regained territory from Boko Haram in Borno State and in Libya, remote violence escalated in June as Islamic State militants lost territory to Presidency Council forces.  

South Sudan: UNICEF South Sudan Juba Humanitarian Crisis SitRep #3 - 15 July 2016

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Source: UN Children's Fund
Country: South Sudan

Highlights

  • A total of 134 missing, separated, or unaccompanied children have been registered as part of family tracing and reunification efforts.

  • On 15 July education activities resumed under trees for 250 displaced children in Tomping, facilitated by the distribution of school-in-a-box and early childhood development kits.

  • The distribution of water, previously highlighted as a critical concern, continues unhindered to UN House and Tomping.

  • UNICEF urgently requires US$ 5.3 million to provide immediate and life-saving interventions to the displaced and affected children, women and other vulnerable people in Juba.

Humanitarian Overview

The situation in Juba remains quiet as of July 15, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), who numbered an estimated 42,000 at the height of the crisis, are making the most of the ceasefire and choosing to return to their homes. Currently, OCHA estimates that some 8,000 people remain displace in Juba, including 4,300 in UNMISS sites.

The most immediate needs identified include the continued provision of water to displaced populations, family tracing and reunification for missing separated and unaccompanied children.

Humanitarian Response

UNICEF continues to support the response through two multi-sectoral teams doing direct implementation of the response, supporting partners, and conducting assessments in IDP sites. On July 15, for the third day,

UNICEF teams were able to visit different IDP sites following the cessation of hostilities. The different clusters are actively facilitating coordination to avoid duplication of activities.

SITUATION IN NUMBERS

8,000* Overall people internally displaced within and around Juba

4,300* Of these IDPs located in the UNMISS sites

134 Missing, separated, or unaccompanied children registered

*Source: OCHA, 15 July 2016

FUNDING NEEDS FOR JUBA RESPONSE: US$ 5.3 million

Burkina Faso: Synthèse Globale des données des réfugiés maliens au Burkina Faso (au 30 juin 2016)

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Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Burkina Faso, Mali

Burkina Faso: Réfugiés Maliens au Burkina Faso au 30 juin 2016

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Source: UN High Commissioner for Refugees
Country: Burkina Faso, Mali

South Sudan: UNICEF South Sudan Juba Humanitarian Crisis SitRep #4 - 16 July 2016

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Source: UN Children's Fund
Country: South Sudan

Highlights

  • Twenty suspected cases of cholera have been reported, and testing is ongoing. A cholera outbreak response is in process, with a focus on both prevention and control.

  • Nutrition screening undertaken among 387 displaced children in Tomping suggests a global acute malnutrition rate in the site is 18%.

  • There is a lack of space for education and psychosocial support activities, with a further influx of internally displaced persons to Tomping on July 16.

Humanitarian Overview

As of 16 July, the situation in Juba during the day was quiet, with gun firing in the vicinity of UN House in the early evening. While many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are choosing to return home, there has been an influx of IDPs to UNMISS’ Tomping compound. A move to transport IDPs from Tomping to UN House is being discussed, and IDPs have been informed accordingly.

Humanitarian Response

UNICEF and partners, with coordination support from OCHA and the cluster system, continue to respond to the crisis in Juba. With a concerning number of suspected cholera cases, humanitarian actors are putting increased emphasis on cholera prevention and response.

SITUATION IN NUMBERS

  • 12,799* Overall people internally displaced within and around Juba

  • 2,661* Of these IDPs located in the UNMISS sites

South Sudan: South Sudan: OCHA Flash Update #5: Fighting in Juba, 15 July 2016

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Source: UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: South Sudan

Flash Update #5 – 15 July 2016

This is the fifth OCHA Flash Update on the situation in Juba, which provides a summary/overview of the situation and response.

Four days into the tenuous ceasefire in Juba, many people have returned to their homes. Humanitarians estimate that, as of 15 July, around 8,000 people remain displaced, including around 4,300 in the UNMISS sites and some 3,700 outside. The following displacement sites have emptied or are close to emptied: WFP compound, ADRA compound, Gumbo-Shirkat School and Church, Gurei North, Lemon Gaba, Joppa (Hai Baraka) All Saints Mobil Church and Urtustuna.

Humanitarian organizations have continued to respond in locations with the highest needs, including distributing education supplies (including Early Childhood Development and recreational kits) at UNMISS Tongping, St Joseph Primary School, and All Saints Cathedral. A child-friendly space kit has been provided at St Josephs and psychosocial activities for children are underway in Tongping. NFIs and acute shelter items (blankets, mosquito nets, sleeping mats) have been distributed to 1,000 households at St Teresa’s in Kator, and sanitation assessments have been conducted at St Teresa’s in Kator and Don Bosco-Gumbo.

Protection concerns continue to be reported. Parents have said they are afraid of sending their children to schools / organized activities as they fear they could be targeted or separated in case of renewed fighting. General protection, including through vulnerability assessments and identification of persons with specific needs, is ongoing in UN House, Tongping, St Teresa’s in Kator and Don Bosco-Gumbo.

Protection assessments have been carried out in Protection of Civilians (PoC) 1 site, St. Josephs and St. Peters. GBV caseworkers are present in both PoC1 and PoC3 supporting referrals, and clinical management of rape is available in the PoC clinic. Registration and tracing for unaccompanied and separated children continues.

Health organizations continue to operate static and mobile clinics across a range of sites. The main morbidities reported are: malaria; ARI; AWD; gunshot wounds; fractures; anaemia; spontaneous and incomplete abortions/miscarriages; and SAM cases.

Separately, five suspected cholera cases have been reported at Juba Teaching Hospital (JTH), with two cases Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) positive. None of the cases have culture tested positive as yet.

Partners will go to hot spot locations in Juba tomorrow to do rapid assessments. With regard to clean water supply, ICRC’s Water Treatment Unit is servicing 700,000 cubic meters and partners have been provided with the location details in case they require water to support ongoing projects.

Chad: L’UE, les Etats-Unis et l’ONU appellent la communauté internationale à intensifier la réponse humanitaire dans le bassin du lac Tchad

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Source: Government of the United States of America, European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: Cameroon, Chad, Niger

(N’Djamena, 16 juillet 2016) : A la fin d’une visite dans les pays du bassin du lac Tchad (Cameroun, Tchad et Niger), la Sous-Secrétaire d’Etat pour la population, les réfugiés et la migration du Département d’Etat américain, Mme. Anne C. Richard, et le Commissaire européen chargé de l’aide humanitaire et de la gestion des crises, M. Christos Stylianides, ainsi que le Sous-Secrétaire Général des Nations Unies Toby Lanzer, appellent la communité internationale des bailleurs de fonds à accroître leur soutien financier aux populations affectées par la violence.

« Les Etats-Unis sont profondément préoccupés par la situation actuelle des populations déplacées et réfugiées, à cause de la violence persistante dans le bassin du Lac Tchad, que ce soit ici au Tchad, au Cameroun, ou dans les pays voisins, au Niger et au Nigeria », a affirmé la Sous-Secrétaire d’Etat Richard. « Les Etats-Unis reconnaissent les efforts entrepris par les gouvernements de la région, où 2,7 millions de personnes ont été contraintes d’abandonner leurs villages, et sont heureux d’accroître leur soutien aux agences des Nations Unies et aux ONG de $27 millions, totalisant $112 millions pour l’année fiscale en cours. »

« Nous sommes très préoccupés par la grave crise humanitaire dans le bassin du lac Tchad. L’Union européenne réaffirme sa solidarité avec les populations affectées par cette crise régionale. Elles ont notre soutien total. Nous continuerons à fournir une assistance là où elle est nécessaire », a déclaré le Commissaire Stylianides. « Aujourd’hui, alors que nous réaffirmons notre engagement dans cette région, j’annonce que l’Union européenne a décidé d’allouer 58 millions d’euros en 2016 afin de soutenir les populations les plus vulnérables. Avec cette assistance, nous aiderons à fournir des vivres, des abris, de l’eau potable, et des soins de santé, ainsi qu’à protéger les populations affectées par les conflits. L’objectif est également de préparer les populations à mieux résister aux chocs, en renforçant leur résilience. Ce financement fait partie de l’action humanitaire globale de l’Union européenne dans la région du Sahel, qui dépasse 200 millions d’euros cette année. »

« Je suis très reconnaissant pour les financements reçus des Etats Unis et de l’Union européenne. Grâce à cela et au soutien du Fonds central d’intervention d’urgence, qui a fourni plus de $102 millions pour l’aide humanitaire dans le bassin du lac Tchad, les agences des Nations Unies et leurs partenaires peuvent intensifier leur travail auprès des victimes de la crise, y compris les personnes déplacées et les communautés d’accueil, en ligne avec notre plan de réponse de 90 jours que nous avons finalisé au début du mois de juillet », a souligné le Sous-Secrétaire Général Lanzer. « J’espère vivement que d’autres membres de la communauté internationale des bailleurs de fonds suivront l’exemple des Etats-Unis et de l’Union européenne et soutiendront notre réponse afin d’éviter une crise plus profonde, plus large, et plus coûteuse dans les mois à venir », a-t-il ajouté.

La région du Sahel continue d’être affectée par l’extrême pauvreté, l’insécurité alimentaire chronique et la dénutrition, le changement climatique et l’extrêmisme violent. Dans le bassin du lac Tchad plus particulièrement, où vivent 20 millions de personnes, 9,2 millions de personnes ont besoin d’aide humanitaire, 5,2 millions sont en situation d’insécurité alimentaire sévère et ont besoin d’assistance alimentaire d’urgence, et 2,7 millions ont été forcées de quitter leurs villages. Les communautés accueillant ces déplacés doivent partager leurs ressources déjà très limitées. De plus, la population locale est confrontée à une augmentation importante du prix des denrées. Les priorités de la réponse humanitaire sont : la protection ; l’assistance alimentaire ; la nutrition ; les soins de santé ; l’eau l’hygiène et l’assainissement (EHA) ; les abris ; et l’éducation d’urgence.

Pour plus d’information, veuillez contacter :
Mme Eve Sabbagh, Chargée de l’Information Publique, Bureau du Coordonnateur Humanitaire Régional des Nations Unies pour le Sahel, sabbaghe@un.org, Mob. : +221 77 569 96 54

Mme Isabel Coello, Coordinatrice Régionale d’Information pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale, ECHO, Isabel.Coello@echofield.eu, Mob. +221 77 740 92 17

Mme Julie Nickles, Chargée des Affaires Publiques, Ambassade des Etats-Unis au Tchad, NicklesJA@state.gov, Mob. +235 62 054 567

Les communiqués d’OCHA sont disponibles sur www.unocha.org ou www.reliefweb.int.


Chad: EU, US and UN Call on the International Community to Scale Up Emergency Response in the Lake Chad Basin

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Source: Government of the United States of America, European Commission Humanitarian Aid Office, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Country: Cameroon, Chad, Niger

(N’Djamena, 16 July 2016): At the end of a visit to the Lake Chad Basin countries of Cameroon, Chad and Niger, Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration of the US Department of State, Ms. Anne Richard, and EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Mr. Christos Stylianides, as well as UN Assistant Secretary-General Toby Lanzer, called on the international donor community to increase their financial support for populations affected by violence.

“The United States is deeply concerned by the current situation faced by displaced and refugee people as a result of continuing violence in the Lake Chad Basin, whether it is here in Chad, Cameroon or in neighboring countries of Niger and Nigeria,’ affirmed Assistant Secretary Richard. ‘The United States recognises the efforts made by governments in the region which has seen 2.7 million people forced from their homes and is pleased to increase its support for UN agencies and NGOs by $27 million to a total of $112 million in the current fiscal year.”

“We are very concerned by the serious humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad basin. The European Union restates its solidarity with the populations impacted by this regional crisis. They have our full support. We will continue to provide assistance wherever it is needed," Commissioner Stylianides said. “Today, as we reaffirm our commitment to this region, I am announcing that the EU has decided to allocate €58 million in 2016 to support the people most in need. With this assistance, we will help provide food, shelter, clean water, and healthcare, as well as protection to the conflict affected populations. It also aims at preparing the population better to withstand shocks, therefore increasing their resilience. This funding is part of the overall European Union humanitarian action in the wider Sahel region of over €200 million this year.”

“I am very grateful for this funding from the United States and the European Union. Together with support from the Central Emergency Response Fund which has provided over $102 million for humanitarian aid in the Lake Chad Basin, UN agencies and their partners can scale up their work for survivors of the crisis, including displaced persons and communities hosting them, in line with our 90-day plan which we issued at the beginning of July,” underlined Assistant Secretary-General Lanzer.“I very much hope that other members of the international donor community will follow the US and EU’s example and support our response in order to avoid a deeper, broader and more costly crisis in the months to come,” he continued.

The Sahel region continues to be affected by extreme poverty, chronic food insecurity and malnutrition, climate change, and violent extremism. In the specific case of the Lake Chad Basin, where 20 million people live, 9.2 million are in need of humanitarian aid, 5.2 million are severely food insecure and in need of emergency food assistance and 2.7 million have been forced from their homes. Those hosting the displaced are sharing their already very limited resources. Furthermore, the local population is facing a very steep increase in the price of food. The main priorities of the humanitarian response are: protection; food assistance; nutrition; healthcare; water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH); shelter; and, emergency education.


For further information, please contact:
Mme Eve Sabbagh, Public Information Officer, Bureau of the United Nations Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel, sabbaghe@un.org, Mob. : +221 77 569 96 54

Mme Isabel Coello, Regional Information Officer for West and Central Africa, ECHO, Isabel.Coello@echofield.eu, Mob. +221 77 740 92 17

Mme Julie Nickles, Public Affairs Officer, US Embassy in Chad, NicklesJA@state.gov, Mob. +235 62 054 567

OCHA press releases are available on www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int.

South Sudan: South Sudan: what hope for peace?

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Source: Agence France-Presse
Country: South Sudan

Juba, South Sudan | AFP | Sunday 7/17/2016 - 11:15 GMT |

by Peter MARTELL

Corpses are still being collected around burned out tanks in South Sudan's capital Juba, a week after intense battles left hundreds dead and a peace deal in tatters.

The latest clashes in a war that broke out in December 2013 pitted soldiers loyal to President Salva Kiir against troops backing his long time rival Vice-President Riek Machar, who technically ended his rebellion to forge a unity government in April.

A shaky ceasefire has held since late Monday, when Machar's men were forced to flee after government troops in tanks and helicopter gunships pounded their positions with overwhelming firepower.

But what's next for South Sudan? And is there any remaining hope of peace?

Is the peace deal dead?

Nearly.

Juba is mostly calm but many fear a return to conflict.

A string of peace deals signed since the start of the war failed to stop the fighting, and critics point out that placing two rival armies in the same city was a recipe for disaster.

Building trust between rival forces, and reining militias back in will tricky, while governance in the country will remain in limbo until new political and military deals are struck.

Even getting Machar and Kiir to talk face-to-face will be tough, and striking another deal daunting.

What can international pressure do?

Not much.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon wants the Security Council to take three key steps: impose an arms embargo, place more targeted sanctions on leaders and bolster the 12,000-strong UN peacekeeping force.

Critics say talk of an arms embargo is too little too late in a country awash with weapons, while UN sanctions already slapped on top commanders from both sides did nothing to stem the violence.

More peacekeepers may not make the UN mission any more effective. The UN has been widely criticised for failing to intervene between the two sides, instead hunkering down inside its bases, where over half of the peacekeepers are tied up guarding 160,000 civilians sheltering behind razor wire.

Will a regional military force be deployed?

No.

Regional bloc IGAD raised the possibility of deploying an "intervention brigade" with a more aggressive mandate, but Kiir is not having it. "We will not accept even a single soldier," he said.

Ban said he backs proposals for regional nations -- Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan and Uganda -- to instead send additional troops to join the UN mission.

Will Machar return?

Possibly.

Machar has not been seen in public since the July 8 shootout at the presidential palace on the eve of South Sudan's fifth anniversary of independence.

His spokesmen say he left Juba, while he himself told the BBC he remains in the city. Kiir, who says he has spoken to Machar, has called for a meeting to salvage peace.

Machar lost some of his most loyal troops in the battle -- those who survived are reported to have fled the city -- and his authority over his generals and troops is also in question.

In Machar's absence from Juba some top opposition leaders, such as Taban Deng Gai, have said they can negotiate without him, raising the possibility of further splits.

Will the humanitarian crisis worsen?

Most likely.

With over 55 aid workers killed since December 2013, the recent violence in Juba -- which included deliberate attacks on international compounds -- may prove the last straw for some agencies, leaving huge gaps in lifesaving services.

Over a third of South Sudan's population are expected to face severe food shortages over the coming months, and there is a real risk of what the UN has termed a "hunger catastrophe."

The UN as well as several aid agencies and embassies have pulled out "non-critical" staff.

The economy is in ruins, inflation has eroded savings and salaries, and without another round of massive international support there is little cash to rebuild. But there is not much appetite among donors to add to the billions already poured into failed development projects.

pjm/tmc/afm

© 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse

South Sudan: Flare-up of violence in South Sudan raises spectre of hunger catastrophe

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Source: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Country: South Sudan

Lasting calm, commitment to peace process critical as important planting season approaches

16 July 2016, Rome/Juba - Millions of people facing hunger in South Sudan will be driven to the brink of catastrophe if renewed flashes of violence derail the fragile peace process, FAO said today. The Organization called for calm and stability, warning that if peace does not hold, the human costs of recent fighting in Juba will be compounded by deepening hunger across the entire country.

The most recent assessment, released last month, showed South Sudan was already in dire straits, with over 4.8 million people severely food insecure and malnutrition rates rampant. The assessment projected severe food shortages over the months to come and warned of the risk of hunger crises in parts of the country.

"In Juba, which hasn't experienced such a level of violence in years, a fragile calm now appears to be holding, but uncertainty grips the city and supplies to food markets have been disrupted," said FAO Country Representative Serge Tissot.

"And while we hope that the situation will hold, violence may flare up again. If the tenuous peace process falters, the consequences will be widespread and an already dire situation, in which over half the nation's population is food insecure, could get much, much worse," he added.

"A return to stability and the continuation of the peace process are essential to allowing agricultural production to continue and markets tore-open," emphasized FAO Director-General José Graziano da Silva.

"The people of the world's youngest nation cannot afford any further instability," he said, adding: "We have to remember that peace and food security are two sides of the same coin - it's the currency that drives development and prosperity. The future of the country depends on the people of South Sudan making a firm and lasting commitment to peace, now."

Looted agricultural inputs need replacing

During the violence that erupted last week FAO's Juba warehouse was ransacked and stocks of essential supplies like seeds and tools earmarked to help food insecure people across the country save their livelihoods, were looted. The Organization is currently assessing the full extent of the losses.

"As the FAO offices in South Sudan remain operational, the continuation of our support to those most in need requires that additional resources be urgently made available to replace what was looted," said Tissot.

"Under normal conditions, harvesting of the main maize and sorghum crop would begin in a few weeks' time -- planting of a second season would take place over the same period. How well those activities are able to proceed will have a big impact on food security in both the short and the longer term," he added.

The recent clashes between opposition and government forces have been the most violent in Juba since the end of the country's two-year civil war in August 2015.

South Sudan: In Rwanda, Ban calls for concerted regional and international action in South Sudan

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Source: UN News Service
Country: South Sudan

16 July 2016 – On the margins of the 27th African Union (AU) Summit taking place in Kigali, Rwanda, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today addressed a regional body and met with several African leaders, stressing the need for concerted action to revive the implementation of the peace agreement in South Sudan.

“Now is the time for decisive and collective action. The people of South Sudan need to hear the region and the world speak with one voice to end this mindless violence,” Mr. Ban said at the Extraordinary Summit of the International Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an eight-country trade bloc in Africa whose members include the Governments of Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Uganda.

“I know many of you have worked hard to secure peace for the world's youngest country – and I know all of us agree that we cannot afford South Sudan slipping back into a civil war,” he added.

Noting that everyone is “appalled” by the magnitude of the violence, the indiscriminate attacks on civilians and peacekeepers, and the immense loss of lives and suffering that the crisis has inflicted on the people of South Sudan, the UN chief emphasized that the renewed fighting is “horrendous and totally unacceptable.”

“UN compounds have been caught in the crossfire, our warehouses and food stocks for hundreds of thousands of people have been brazenly stolen, and our premises have sustained significant mortar and small arms fire,” Mr. Ban said.

The Secretary-General condemned in the strongest terms the targeting of UN personnel and international personnel from non-governmental organizations; premises and assets in Juba allegedly by soldiers from the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA); and reports of sexual violence, assaults and killings of those personnel and South Sudanese civilians.

Welcoming the strong condemnation of the fighting and ceasefire violations by the AU Peace and Security Council and the IGAD Council of Ministers, the Secretary-General thanked the participants at the Extraordinary Summit for calling on the South Sudanese leaders to assume their responsibility and subject individuals who undermine the peace process to “stern measures,” including targeted sanctions.

Mr. Ban highlighted that he had spoken with the Special Envoy of the President of South Sudan, Nhial Deng Nhial, with First Vice-President Riek Machar, as well as with some leaders of the region, and had urged them to do “everything in their power” to bring about an immediate cessation of hostilities and recommit to the implementation of the peace agreement.

“I have sent a clear message that leaders must be accountable for their actions. This includes the military chain of command – the chiefs of general staff and other officials who are complicit in perpetrating the violence,” the Secretary-General said.

Meetings with regional leaders

Among his other meetings today, Mr. Ban talked with Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and IGAD Chairman. The leaders discussed regional peace and security challenges, as well as climate change, with the Secretary-General commending the leadership role of Ethiopia in the promotion of regional peace and security, and its contribution to peacekeeping.

Mr. Ban met with Hailemariam Dessalegn, Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Chairman of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD). The leaders discussed regional peace and security challenges, as well as climate change, with the Secretary-General commending the leadership role of Ethiopia in the promotion of regional peace and security, and its contribution to peacekeeping.

“The Secretary-General and the Prime Minister expressed alarm at the situation in South Sudan and the risk of further escalation, with far-reaching consequences for the country and its people, as well as for the region,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's office.

“They agreed on the need for an urgent and enhanced international action to avert full blown violence and further atrocities, and put back on track the implementation process of the agreement on the resolution of the conflict in South Sudan,” the statement also said.

The UN chief informed the Prime Minister about his recommendations to the Security Council in favour of an arms embargo, the imposition of targeted sanctions against individuals involved in violence and blocking the implementation of the peace agreement, and the reinforcement of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

The Secretary-General indicated that he was looking forward to the outcome of the deliberations of the IGAD and AU Heads of State and Government, emphasizing the “important role” of the African leaders.

The Secretary-General also thanked the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his country's key role and sacrifices towards stabilization efforts in Somalia, emphasizing the need to “spare no efforts” in creating the required security conditions for the successful holding of the forthcoming elections.

In addition, Mr. Ban underlined the debilitating effects of the El Niño and La Niña weather phenomena globally and in the Horn of Africa region in particular. The Prime Minister informed him of the steps taken by Ethiopia to mitigate the impact of La Niña and its commitment to the global efforts to address climate change, including through the early ratification of the Paris Agreement.

The Secretary-General also met today with Idriss Déby Itno, President of Chad and Chairperson of the AU. Commending Mr. Déby for his country's critical role in the regional efforts to combat the Boko Haram terrorist group, Mr. Ban reiterated the UN's support in that regard.

Mr. Ban also met with the High Representative of the AU for South Sudan and former President of Mali, Alpha Oumar Konaré, and the Chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae.

During that discussion, former Presidents Konare and Mogae updated the Secretary-General on their efforts for peace in South Sudan, including recent consultations in Juba with South Sudanese leaders, with the UN chief commending them for their efforts and encouraging them to remain steadfast.

Acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and the risk of relapse into conflict and that of further and widespread atrocities against the civilian population, the Secretary-General and the two former Presidents agreed on the “urgency of concerted regional and international action to address the current challenges and bring about lasting peace and security in South Sudan.” In that respect, they emphasized the role of IGAD and of African leaders.

In addition, Mr. Ban met with the President of Uganda, Yoweri Kabuta Museveni, on the situation in South Sudan.

In another meeting today, the Secretary-General discussed the situation in South Sudan with Gayle Smith, Administrator of the United States Agency for International, together with the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas Greenfield, and the United States Special Envoy for South Sudan, Donald Booth. The leaders expressed grave concern about the risk of further violence in the country, as well as the “appalling” humanitarian situation compounded by the recent fighting in Juba.

“They look forward to the outcomes of the deliberations of the IGAD and African Union leaders on the matter, hoping that these will provide additional momentum to the international efforts to address the security situation, in particular in Juba, and ensure the effective implementation of the peace agreement,” said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's office.

On Friday, Mr. Ban met with a number of African leaders on the sidelines of the AU Summit, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Algeria, Ramtane Lamamra. 

Mali: Bulletin mensuel - Marché du riz au Mali n°27 - juin 2016

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Source: Afrique Verte
Country: Mali

Pour les « Prix Producteurs »

Les prix collectés ce mois de Juin 2016, nous indiquent que :

  • Riz Gambiaka: le prix le moins cher est 295 FCFA/kg enregistré à Niono, Siengo et Kléla enregistrent 300 et 375 le plus cher à Sofara dans la région de Mopti.

  • Riz Adny11 : il est en basse à Niono avec 295 contre 300 le mois passé, 300 FCFA/kg à Siengo (Ségou), et 330 FCFA/kg à Baguinéda (Koulikoro).

  • Riz BG : il se vend à 330 à Baguinéda (Koulikoro) et 360 FCFA/kg à Sofara (Mopti).

  • Riz Local étuvé : il est vendu à 350 FCFA/kg maximum à Niono et Siengo variété Gambiaka, Sofara enregistre 275 et enfin 250 à Klela (Sikasso).

  • Paddy : les prix des différentes variétés se situent dans une fourchette de 150 à 214 FCFA le kilo dont le plus bas est enregistré à Niono et Siengo toute variété et le plus élevé à Tombouctou.

  • Les Semences : les prix ont évolué entre 280 FCFA/kg variété R2 en passant par 300 pour la R1 à Siengo et 375 FCFA pour les variétés BG et Wassa à Baguinéda

Mali: Nord-Mali : Renforcement des conditions de vie des populations

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Source: Croix-Rouge Malienne
Country: Mali

La Croix-Rouge malienne à travers un projet de la FICR a contribué à la restauration des moyens d’existence au Nord du Mali en apportant une assistance à plusieurs familles des Cercles de Gao, Ansongo, Bourem et Tombouctou.

Cette assistance a concerné trente-quatre (34) villages repartis entre dix (10) communes. L’assistance avait pour but la reconstitution du cheptel et la distribution d’aliment bétail aux ménages vulnérables des zones pastorales et agropastorales. Les volontaires de la croix rouge soutenus par les autorités locales ont été fortement mobilisés dans l’organisation des distributions au niveau de tous les villages. Cet engagement a permis à deux cent (200) ménages de bénéficier de 400 têtes de moutons et de chèvre pour la région de Gao et de Tombouctou.

Le projet a aussi renforcé la croissance du cheptel à travers la distribution d’aliment bétail. Ainsi chaque ménage a bénéficié de 750 kg de tourteaux de coton à hauteur de 150 tonnes distribués.

Nigeria: Interview - Bird flu outbreak in west Africa raises worries about food and livelihoods

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Source: AlertNet
Country: Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria

Outbreak of a highly contagious strain of avian flu has stoked fears the disease may become endemic in the region

By Magdalena Mis

ROME, July 15 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - The outbreak of a highly contagious strain of avian flu in west and central Africa has stoked fears that the disease may become endemic in the region, with lasting implications for people's livelihoods, the U.N. food agency said on Friday.

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South Sudan: UNICEF South Sudan Juba Humanitarian Crisis SitRep #5 - 17 July 2016

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Source: UN Children's Fund
Country: South Sudan

Highlights

  • UNICEF delivered 720,000 litres of water to UN House and along with partners approximately achieved SPHERE standard of 15/l/p/d for the first time since the start of the Juba crisis.

  • 13 new suspected cases of cholera reported in Juba on 17 July, increasing the number of people being treated in Juba Teaching Hospital to 33.

Humanitarian Overview

Although the ceasefire continues to hold, there have reportedly been new arrivals of internally displaced persons in the UNMISS sites of UN House and Tomping, which are currently hosting about 80% of the 12,800 IDPs who remain displaced as a result of the outbreak of violence in Juba on July 8. A recent article published by UNICEF provides insight into the life of these IDPs, available here.

Humanitarian Response

On July 17, coordination between various actors continues in order to maximize the effectiveness of the response. The Nutrition and WASH Clusters have conducted a mapping of partner coverage in light on the number of agencies that have evacuated staff from South Sudan. Notably, the Health and WASH clusters, along with the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, WHO, SSRC, and Medair, are supporting and monitoring the cholera response closely.

Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso: les recommandations de l’ONU doivent constituer une feuille de route pour les autorités en matière de protection des droits humains

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Source: Fédération Internationale des Ligues des Droits de I'Homme
Country: Burkina Faso

(Genève) La FIDH et son organisation membre au Burkina Faso, le MBDHP se félicitent de l’issue du premier examen du Burkina Faso devant le Comité des droits de l’Homme de l’ONU, dix-sept ans après l’accession du pays au Pacte international relatif aux droits civils et politiques en 1999.

« Les conclusions et recommandations de l’ONU doivent désormais guider l’action des autorités burkinabè dans la mise en oeuvre des obligations internationales du pays et permettre le passage d’une logique d’engagements répétés à des actes concrets en faveur des droits et libertés. »

Christoph Bado, secrétaire général adjoint du MBDHP présent à l’examen du Burkina Faso

Au cours du dialogue avec la délégation Burkinabè, les experts du comité ont notamment souligné le fait que la lutte contre le terrorisme ne saurait se faire au détriment des droits fondamentaux, et estimé que les actions visant à renforcer l’indépendance du judiciaire devraient être approfondies. Ils ont en outre interrogé la délégation sur le statut juridique des groupes d’auto-défense qui ont proliféré ces dernières années dans les campagnes et se livrent à toutes sortes d’abus et d’exactions, ainsi que sur les suites que le gouvernement envisage de donner à sa volonté affichée de parvenir à un accord politique permettant l’abolition de la peine capitale.

Ces questions ont fait écho aux préoccupations exprimées par nos organisations dans leur rapport alternatif conjoint soumis au Comité en amont de l’examen du Burkina Faso, qui identifiait notamment la justice et la lutte contre l’impunité, le respect des droits humains dans la lutte contre le terrorisme, et la garantie et promotion des droits des femmes comme priorités pour les nouvelles autorités.

« Les recommandations de l’ONU qui reprennent largement la feuille de route dressée par la société civile à l’initiative de la FIDH et du MBDHP doivent désormais être diffusées, vulgarisées et mises en oeuvre dans le cadre d’un plan d’action et d’un calendrier clairement définis, et garantissant la pleine participation de la société civile. »

Drissa Traoré, vice-président de la FIDH

La FIDH et le MBDHP avaient organisé fin mars 2016 une table ronde de la société civile burkinabé pour établir les priorités et une feuille de route pour les autorités nationales en matière de droits humains. Une délégation de la FIDH et du MBDHP avait rencontré les autorités nationales pour leur transmettre cette feuille de route.

South Sudan: Juba Response Update: South Sudan | CCCM | Update #4 (17 July 2016)

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Source: Agency for Technical Cooperation and Development, International Organization for Migration, CCCM Cluster
Country: South Sudan

Within the overall ICWG response following the crisis in Juba, CCCM cluster continues to advocate for non-creation of camp like settings. All interventions should be aimed at temporary emergency response that will not attract IDPs into staying in current displacement sites.

Total displacement reported by OCHA is 12,799 of which 10,138 are in UNMISS Tongping and UN House. The 2,661 IDPs reported in several non PoC displacement sites will not be supported by CCCM cluster with the understanding that most if not all will return home as they gain confidence in the security.

UNMISS TONGPING

CCCM
• CCCM participated in an operational planning meeting on relocation of the approximate 3,300 IDPs in Tong Ping to UN House. UNMISS, IOM and ACTED to work closely to support operation.

WASH
• IOM, UNICEF, UNMISS and MSF are providing safe drinking water.
• More than 120,000 litres of water were delivered on 17 July.

Shelter
• IOM is designing shelter strategy. IOM has stocks available at warehouse for communal, partitioned shelters.
• UNMISS is currently preparing the land for shelters.

Health
• IOM staff conducted 104 consultations at its primary health care clinic in the site. The top causes of morbidity were malaria and acute respiratory infection.
• No new suspected cholera cases.

UNMISS UN HOUSE

CCCM
• New arrivals figure remains at 6,838 people.
• CCCM coordinating on planned relocation of 3,300 IDPs from UNMISS Tomping to UN House.

Protection
• ICRC reported that more than 50 IDPs returned to UN House.

WASH
• UNICEF, MSF and ICRC trucked 889,000 liters of safe drinking water
• The target of 900,000L per day (150 trucks) was more less achieved and should be maintained.
• Gaps/risks: no garbage or sewage has been collected, hygiene promotion has not yet begun

Health
•IMC clinics are open in PoCs 1 and 3 and ambulance continues to move freely.
• MSF have prepared their temporary clinic and will resume operations.
• MSF has installed two additional water tanks in PoC 1 to serve the clinic.
• MSF will take referral cases from UN Tong Ping.

Shelter
• PoC 1: New arrivals continue to stay in the NRC school and the community centre.
• PoC 3: New arrivals continue to stay in the NRC school and the community centre.
• There is no space available to construct shelters for the large number of new arrivals.

Nutrition
• Concern and World Vision plan nutrition support for children under five years.
• Blanket supplementary feeding programme may commence in the coming days.

South Sudan: Council conclusions on South Sudan (18/07/2016)

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Source: European Union
Country: South Sudan

  1. The European Union (EU) condemns in the strongest terms the recent escalation of fighting in South Sudan and attacks on civilians, Protection of Civilian (PoC) sites, United Nations (UN) compounds and personnel, diplomatic officials and aid workers. Many people have been killed in heavy fighting and there are growing fears that many more could die in another round of violence.

  2. The gravity of the situation demands a rapid response. Any extension of the current crisis must be prevented.

  3. The leaders of South Sudan, in particular President Kiir and Vice President Machar, are responsible to their people and should not resort to violence and the politics of ethnic confrontation. They must now do everything in their power to de-escalate the hostilities, spare the citizens of South Sudan further violence, and engage in the implementation of the Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (ARCSS) which has been signed by all parties. It is the utmost responsibility of the leaders to control their respective forces and respect the ceasefire which they have decreed. All parties must refrain from any unilateral acts that could further undermine the August 2015 Agreement and the ceasefires. They must focus on their implementation, with particular emphasis on the elements relating to security, especially the demilitarisation of Juba, as a matter of extreme urgency.

  4. The EU welcomes the prompt and determined response from the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) following the IGAD Plus Summit in Kigali on 16 July 2016, the African Union (AU) and the countries in the region. It supports their constructive engagement to address the crisis, together with the AU High Representative for South Sudan and the Chairman of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC). The EU welcomes ongoing discussions on options, including the deployment of a regional protection force, to help stabilising the situation and considers the resumption of a political process as an urgent necessity.

  5. The EU joins South Sudan's neighbours and the international community in working towards rapid restoration of peace and stability, including an end to banditry and looting. Protection of civilians, as well as UN personnel, aid workers and their premises, must also be given high priority and those who provoked the latest round of fighting must be brought to justice. There must be accountability for the atrocities that have been committed in South Sudan, as stipulated in the ARCSS and recalled by the UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide. Investigation and prosecution of those crimes under international law must start swiftly and impunity must end. In this context the EU calls for the rapid establishment of the Hybrid Court for South Sudan and the start of a process of national reconciliation and healing.

  6. The EU reiterates its support to the UN Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) and welcomes ongoing discussions in the UN Security Council on its further strengthening to better ensure that the UN Mission and the international community can prevent and respond to the violence in South Sudan and protect civilians. The EU also supports the UN Secretary General in asking the Security Council to immediately impose an arms embargo on South Sudan and enact additional targeted sanctions on leaders and commanders undermining implementation of the peace agreement. The EU stands ready to consider further sanctions against any individual who obstructs the peace process. It also recalls its substantial political and financial contribution to South Sudan.

  7. The EU urges all parties to allow and facilitate the full, safe and unhindered provision of humanitarian assistance to all those in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law. The EU has been a major contributor to respond to the man-made humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, which is already one of the worst in the world. The South Sudanese population has suffered grave abuses, including by security forces and militias, in particular gender based violence and forced displacement. It is also facing its worst food crisis since the independence of the country. The European Commission is in the process of mobilising additional resources to alleviate the distress of those in need of life-saving humanitarian assistance. The EU commends all neighbouring countries for keeping their borders open and hosting South Sudanese refugees fleeing violence and expects the Government of South Sudan to respect the free movement of people.

South Sudan: ACAPS Briefing Note: Displacement in Juba, South Sudan

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Source: Assessment Capacities Project
Country: South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda

Crisis overview

As of 16 July, an estimated 12,800 people remain displaced after fighting erupted in Juba over 7–11 July. They are at UN House (6,838), UNMISS Tongping (3,300), Don Bosco Gumbo (1,800), Rajaf village (500), St Joseph Parish Church (100), SSRC Compound (109), and San Francis Pitia school (150): see map page 6 (CCCM 16/07/2016).. Humanitarian agencies currently have access, but this is not stable as the ceasefire is fragile and the situation remains tense. Main needs include water, food, health, and protection.

A disagreement at a checkpoint between soldiers of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) prompted the fighting across Juba. An estimated 36,000–42,000 people were initially displaced.

Key findings

Anticipated scope and scale

Conflict: The ceasefire is not expected to hold. Fighting is expected to continue and spread across the country. Return to civil war seems increasingly likely.

Displacement: As of 16 July, some 12,800 people remain displaced in Juba. The rest of the 36,000-42,000 initially displaced have returned home. Should fighting resume, more waves of displacement are expected.

Priorities for humanitarian intervention

  • WASH: 21 suspected cases of cholera have been reported in Juba teaching hospital and UNMISS Tongping site. Many IDPs are dependent on water distribution.

  • Food as markets in Juba PoC sites reportedly exhausted stocks. Insecurity and skyrocketing prices restrict access to markets.

  • Health: A high risk of waterborne diseases due to lack of water and the rainy season increasing the likelihood of contamination and transmission.

  • Nutrition: SAM is 4.7% among IDPs who have arrived at Tongping UNMISS site since 11 July.

Humanitarian constraints

Access can only be maintained as long as the fragile ceasefire holds. Insecurity before the ceasefire heavily impacted humanitarian access and many organisations evacuated their non-essential staff. Looting of vehicles and warehouses hampers response. Movement is reportedly restricted by the SPLA.

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