3 octobre 2016 – Au Mali, un Casque bleu a été tué et cinq autres ont été grièvement blessés alors qu'ils intervenaient suite à une attaque contre un camp de la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali (MINUSMA), dans la région de Kidal.

Le camp de la MINUSMA à Aguelhok a été la cible de plusieurs tirs de mortiers dans l'après-midi de lundi.

« Une force d'intervention rapide de la Mission a immédiatement été déployée après les tirs pour en identifier l'origine. Deux des véhicules d'intervention ont alors heurté une mine ou un engin explosif improvisé, et l'explosion a entraîné la mort d'un Casque bleu », a expliqué la MINUSMA dans un communiqué de presse.

Plusieurs autres soldats de la paix ont été blessés, dont cinq grièvement.

La MINUSMA a condamné ces attaques perpétrées contre ses soldats et a affirmé qu'elles « n'affaibliront pas la détermination des Nations Unies à soutenir le gouvernement malien, les parties signataires de l'Accord de paix et le peuple malien dans leurs efforts pour parvenir à une paix et une stabilité durables ».

Le chef de Mission a présenté au nom de la MINUSMA ses sincères condoléances aux familles du défunt ainsi qu'au gouvernement concerné et exprimé sa plus profonde compassion et son soutien aux blessés, en leur souhaitant un prompt rétablissement.

Key Messages

• Le niveau propice de pluviométrie cette année favorise une production céréalière nationale proche de celle de la moyenne quinquennale avec des bonnes conditions d’exploitation dans les zones de décrue. Néanmoins, les pauses pluviométriques répétées d’août et de septembre ont affecté le développement des cultures pluviales et la baisse des superficies exploitées en irrigué hivernal dans la vallée du fleuve Sénégal affectera négativement la production rizicole.

• L’approvisionnement des marchés déjà satisfaisant au niveau national le restera jusqu’en janvier 2017 du fait des importations régulières renforcées par le déstockage des paysans maliens et des récoltes annuelles moyennes. A l’exception du riz, les prix des denrées alimentaires s’inscriront, conformément aux tendances saisonnières, dès octobre dans une tendance baissière avec les nouvelles récoltes. Par contre, la hausse typique des prix des animaux va continuer de s’amplifier, sous les effets cumulés des bonnes conditions pastorales et de la forte demande des fêtes.

• Malgré des flétrissements locaux suite aux pauses pluviométriques, les pâturages sont denses et ils répondront au besoin du cheptel national malgré quelques déficits localisés. Les transhumances internes habituelles devraient fonctionner normalement et répondre aux attentes des éleveurs sauf dans des poches déficitaires de zone agropastorale (Brakna, Gorgol et Tagant). Ces impacts positifs conjointes à l’accès alimentaire favorable après des récoltes conduiront la plupart du pays vers une situation Minimale (Phase 1 de l’IPC) jusqu’au moins en janvier 2017.

A. Situation analysis

Description of the disaster

In 2015, Federal Government of Nigeria (FGoN) military forces with the support of the multi-national forces of Chad, Cameroon and Niger made significant progress to dislodge the Boko Haram (BH) insurgency from their occupied territories. The FGoN set a deadline to end the insurgency by the end of December 2015, and as such intensified efforts, revising its military strategy, and moving the command centre to Maiduguri, Borno State to ensure its effective implementation. Despite progress made so far, the insurgency has developed new approaches, with increased suicide bombings mostly carried out by women, girls and children targeting crowded places including markets and places of worship - on average there are 10 suicide attacks being reported per week.

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has risen to over 2 million (according to the United Nations (UN)); while the number of refugees in the 3 neighbouring countries - Chad, Cameroon and Niger - is over 150,000 people, mostly women and girls. The IDPs are in camps especially in the state capitals, however the majority are in host communities where they are receiving limited or no assistance. In the areas that have been recaptured, people are not yet confident to return to their communities because of the continuing fear of the insurgency attacks, and they remain mostly uninhabitable as infrastructure (bridges, homes, hospitals, roads, schools and water facilities) have been destroyed by the insurgency; however, this is expected to change in future as the situation stabilizes. The FGoN has prioritized the reconstruction of the Northeast, and called on other stakeholders to support this process. The President has appealed to the World Bank for support in the rebuilding of the Northeast, and resources have been committed. It is expected that these resources will be used to construct infrastructure including bridges, government buildings, hospitals, roads and schools.

The MDRNG018 Nigeria Complex Emergency Appeal supported the immediate needs of the affected population with the multilateral funding that was secured (1,148,760 Swiss Francs / 41 per cent appeal coverage). At the same time efforts were made to access and mobilize resources for medium/longer term assistance through the Development Operational Plan (DOP), since the situation/needs of the affected as they begin to return back to their communities is expected to extend well beyond the timeframe that was allowed through this Emergency Appeal. In addition to the resources received through multilateral funding to the Emergency Appeal, the Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) received bilateral support (based on the same Emergency Plan of Action (EPoA)) of US$1.5 million from a number of partners in-country including: the Government of Japan (US$400,000), a Norwegian organization (US$250,000), PINE (US$260,000), Total (US$250,000), UNFPA (US$180,000), and UNHCR (US$150,000). Of these contributions, 50 percent was received in cash while the remaining were goods in kind (food and non-food Items [NFIs]). As such, it is estimated (based on the inclusion of both bilateral and multilateral support), that the Emergency Appeal coverage is approximately 95 percent.

The appeal was supported by multilateral contributions from British Red Cross, Canadian Red Cross, ECOWAS, Japanese Red Cross, Netherlands Red Cross, Red Cross of Monaco and Swedish Red Cross. IFRC, on behalf of the Nigerian Red Cross Society would like to extend its appreciation to all partners for their generous contributions to this Emergency Appeal. However, we call on partners to extend their support to the long term needs of the affected population in the Northeast of Nigeria.

Summary of response

From the launch of the Emergency Appeal operation, the NRCS has been involved in responding to the immediate humanitarian needs of 156,660 people located in 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe States, providing services in health, livelihoods, psychosocial support, relief, shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene promotion, with achievements including:

• Trained 120 traditional birth attendants out of the planned 200 to provide support to women in need of maternal and child health services in the affected communities; they have reached 15,500 people. 

• Trained 120 WASH volunteers to conduct sanitation and hygiene promotion in the affected communities, which have reached a total of 31,560 people.

• Five boreholes were drilled and 5 latrines constructed, which have benefited a total of 3,500 households.

• Trained 80 psychosocial support (PSS) volunteers to provide support to traumatized women and girls in the affected communities, which have reached 90,130 people.

• Detailed needs assessment for livelihoods was conducted to determine the areas of intervention for this sector; and a total of 500 households (3,500 people) have benefitted from livelihoods interventions.

• Detailed needs assessment was conducted to identify beneficiaries for shelter and to determine the selection criteria to be used; and 30 houses constructed, benefiting 210 people.

• Procurement and distribution of NFIs has been completed and a total of 73,000 households (511,000 people) benefited from the items. Some of the items were procured using bilateral funds and support received by the Nigerian Red Cross Society.

• Capacity building for the NRCS through strengthening of financial, monitoring and evaluation, and project management systems for the operation.

• Restoring Family Links (RFL) activities reached 250 unaccompanied minors.

KEY DRIVERS OF THE CRISIS

• Recurring natural disasters such as droughts and floods combined with the volatility of markets, pushed many households and communities into chronic vulnerability.
  
• Conflict in northern Nigeria and CAR has displaced refugees to Cameroon, and caused internal displacements. In addition, increasing insecurity in the far North of Cameroon and along the border of CAR hampers humanitarian access.
• Poor coverage of sanitation and access to clean water remain the main causes of malnutrition and water-borne diseases.

PRINCIPAUX FACTEURS DE LA CRISE

• Les catastrophes naturelles récurrentes (sècheresses, inondations), combinées avec la volatilité des marchés, ont poussé les ménages et communautés vers une vulnérabilité chronique.

• Le conflit au nord du Nigeria et en RCA continuent à déplacer les réfugiés vers le Cameroun et causent des déplacements internes. De plus, l'insécurité grandissante dans l'extrême nord et à la frontière de la RCA entravent l'accès humanitaire.

• Faible couverture en assainissement et en accès à l’eau potable reste les principales causes de malnutrition et des maladies hydriques.

KEY DRIVERS OF THE CRISIS

• Food insecurity, malnutrition and overall vulnerability are results of recurring natural hazards (droughts, floods), increasing food prices and overall scarcity of resources.

• The country continues to host Malian refugees, their returns are contingent on restoring peace and security in Northern Mali.

• Diseases under epidemiological surveillance are likely to report increased number of cases as a result of poor access to health structures and water,sanitation, and hygiene facilities.

KEY DRIVERS OF THE CRISIS

• Conflict and Boko Haram related violence in the north-eastern states resulting in insecurity, forced displacements and destroyed livelihoods.

• In eight northern States, an estimated, 5.8 million are affected by food insecurity at crisis and emergency levels. In north-eastern Adamawa, Borno, Yobe States alone, 4.4 million people are in need of urgent food assistance.

• Unmet requirements and resources to address the needs of displaced families across sectors, including shelter, health, WASH, NFIs, education and psychosocial support.

4 October 2016 – United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned today's series of attacks against the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

According to preliminary information, four different attacks targeting MINUSMA personnel and installations occurred in Aguelhok, Kidal region, during which one peacekeeper from Chad was killed and eight others injured, according to a statement attributable to the Secretary-General's spokesperson.

“The Secretary-General presents his sincere condolences to the family of the fallen peacekeeper and to the Government and people of Chad, and wishes a prompt recovery to those injured,” the statement said.

The UN chief also called for “swift action” to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to justice, recalling that attacks against UN peacekeepers constitute war crimes under international law.

The statement also said that the Secretary-General is concerned by the recent violations of the ceasefire arrangements by the signatory armed groups in the area of Kidal. In that regard, Mr. Ban urged signatory parties to fulfil their obligations under the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, which he said would contribute to restoring stability and security in the region.

In late September, the Secretary-General, speaking at ministerial meeting on the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali, emphasized that the promotion of peace and stability in Mali is crucial to its people, for the region and for the world.

The Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali was signed in June 2015 by the Coordination des Mouvements de l'Azawad armed group, following its signature in May 2015 by the Government and a third party, the Plateforme coalition of armed groups.

The Malian Government has been seeking to restore stability and rebuild following a series of setbacks since early 2012, including a military coup d'état, renewed fighting between Government forces and Tuareg rebels, and the seizure of its northern territory by radical extremists. The country has also been wracked by a series of humanitarian crises.

Background

The violent conflict in the Lake Chad Basin has continuously deteriorated. Boko Haram raids and suicide bombings targeting civilians are causing widespread trauma, preventing people from accessing essential services and destroying vital infrastructure. Around 21 million people live in the affected areas across the four Lake Chad countries. The number of displaced people in the most affected areas has tripled over the last two years. Most of the displaced families are sheltered by communities that count among the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. Food insecurity and malnutrition in the affected region have reached critical levels.

Recent developments

Governments, regional organizations and aid groups have pledged a major increase in life-saving support for the millions of people affected by the crisis across the Lake Chad Basin. At a recent high-level event held on the margins of the UN General-Assembly, donors including Belgium, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States pledged over US$163 million in humanitarian support for some 9 million people devastated by conflict, displacement and loss of livelihood. Boko Haram attacks continue to hamper humanitarian access and increase civilian protection risks. In the north-east of Nigeria, a recent spate of attacks targeting traders and food convoys in newly-accessible areas is raising concern. Following a lull in August, attacks attributed to Boko Haram have flared up in Niger’s Diffa region, with the gunmen raiding villages, torching houses and killing civilians. Aid operations have been temporarily suspended in border localities in Chad’s Lac region due to worsening insecurity.
Suicide bombings and IED blasts continue to be reported in Cameroon’s Far North region, hampering access to those most in need.

HIGHLIGHTS

• US$739 million required for Lake Chad Basin crisis.

• Food insecurity on the rise across the conflict-hit Lake Chad Basin.

• Above average rainfall across much of Sahel and West Africa.

• Record flooding expected to hit Mali’s inner Niger delta in the coming months.

• Côte d’Ivoire officially reopens border with Guinea and Sierra Leone following the end of Ebola outbreak.

KEY FIGURES

• Severely food insecure people in Lake Chad Basin 6.3M

• People facing “crisis” and “emergency” levels of food insecurity in north-east Nigeria 4.4M

• Meningitis cases during the December - June epidemic season 19,700

US$739 million needed for Lake Chad Basin crisis

Humanitarian organizations working to assist millions of conflict-affected people across the Lake Chad Basin revised their financial requirements in September, seeking US$739 million from $520 million at the beginning of the year. The scale and the impact of the long-running violence has become even more apparent in recent months, as millions more people in areas formerly controlled by Boko Haram are being reached. Food insecurity has also deepened, with pockets of famine reported as the lean season progresses.

In Nigeria’s north-east, more than 4.4 million people are estimated to be facing “crisis” and “emergency” levels of food insecurity across north-eastern Nigeria. At least 65,000 people are experiencing famine-like conditions. The overall figure represents a 50-per cent increase compared to March projection, which estimated that 3 million people were at crisis level and above. Malnutrition rates are also high: 134 children are at risk of dying every day if no assistance is provided.

I. Introduction

1. The present report is submitted pursuant to Security Council resolution 2296 (2016), by which the Council extended the mandate of the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) until 30 June 2017 and requested me to report, every 90 days, on its implementation. The report provides an update and analysis of the conflict and the political situation and operational environment in Darfur, including the main challenges to the effective implementation of the mandate, from 15 June to 15 September 2016. It also presents the steps taken by UNAMID towards achieving its benchmarks and describes progress made in the implementation of the recommendations of the Secretary-General and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, as presented in their joint report of 8 June 2016 (S/2016/510) and endorsed in resolution 2296 (2016). Lastly, the report provides an update on the transfer of tasks to the United Nations country team and the development of an exit strategy for UNAMID.

II. Conflict dynamics and security situation

A. Current trends and conflict dynamics

2. Following the intense fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan Liberation Army/Abdul Wahid (SLA/AW) in the Jebel Marra between January and May, there have been only sporadic ground skirmishes, along with reports of aerial bombardments in the same area, since June. A seasonal spike in violence between pastoralists and farmers occurred in Darfur amid a fall in the number of large-scale intercommunal clashes. Incidents of crime, including banditry, attacks on internally displaced persons and sexual and gender-based violence, remained a significant driver of insecurity throughout Darfur.

Fighting between government forces and rebel groups

3. As a result of its recent air and ground military operations, the Government of the Sudan partially succeeded in limiting the area of operations of SLA/AW by dislodging its combatants from several of its bases in the foothills of the Jebel Marra. However, SLA/AW continued to maintain pockets of presence in areas close to Sortony, North Darfur, and prevented the takeover by the Sudanese Armed Forces of the main mountainous part of the Jebel Marra in Central Darfur, in particular the area east of Nertiti, south of Golo, and between Rockero and Golo.

4. To secure unhindered freedom of movement near the bases captured from SLA/AW in Kutum and Sarrong, the army launched several attacks on rebel positions from those areas. On 20 June, the army attempted to capture Kwila, 20 km northeast of Nertiti in Central Darfur. SLA/AW retaliated with an attack against an army base in Boldon, Central Darfur, 18 km southeast of Nertiti. On 27 June, government forces attacked SLA/AW locations in Tui and Korambe in North Darfur, 3 km east of Sortony. In apparent support for the army and to prevent SLA/AW forces from securing logistical supplies, armed Arabs, mostly from the Northern Rezeigat tribe, and some suspected of being members of the Rapid Support Forces, continued to maintain a watchful presence to monitor the road between Kabkabiyah and Sortony in North Darfur.

5. Notwithstanding the Government’s announcement on 30 June of a unilateral ceasefire, intermittent skirmishes between the army and SLA/AW continued throughout July and August. On 7 August, the army conducted aerial bombardments targeting SLA/AW positions in the areas of Konda and Boranga, 20 km east of Nertiti. SLA/AW forces reportedly retaliated with an attack against an army position in Kutum, east of Nertiti, on 8 August. Army aircraft reportedly carried out further aerial bombardments in Boldon on 27 August. UNAMID was unable to verify those reports, including the number of casualties reported in the media, owing to the repeated refusal of the Government to grant access to the area, citing security reasons.

6. There was no military engagement between the army and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) or the Sudan Liberation Army/Minni Minnawi (SLA/MM).

I. Introduction

1. In its resolution 2295 (2016), the Security Council extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) until 30 June 2017 and requested me to report on a quarterly basis on its implementation, focusing on progress in the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation in Mali and the efforts of MINUSMA to support it.

II. Major political developments

A. Implementation of the peace agreement

2. The signatory parties have taken important steps towards the implementation of the peace agreement, including the conclusion of an arrangement aimed at paving the way for the establishment of interim administrations. However, significant challenges remain in advancing political and security measures owing to the continued mistrust among the signatory parties. Progress in the gradual restoration of State authority in the north, the cantonment of combatants and the further integration of armed groups into national security mechanisms remained limited.

Political and institutional measures

3. Referring to the decree on the interim administrations signed on 18 May, the signatory armed groups suspended their participation in the subcommittee on political and institutional matters of the Agreement Monitoring Committee on 20 May. The groups criticized the Government for, inter alia, taking unilateral decisions on the decree. Subsequently, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Algeria, Ramtane Lamamra, spearheaded consultations with the Coordination des mouvements de l’Azawad (CMA) and the Platform to resolve the impasse. On 31 May, CMA and the Platform coalition of armed groups issued a statement in Algiers, calling for the rapid establishment of interim administrations, and signed a memorandum of understanding (“protocole d’entente”) to strengthen their coordination on security, political and administrative matters. On 15 June, Mahamadou Diagouraga was appointed as the High Representative of the President for the implementation of the peace agreement. His office replaced the national committee for the coordination of the implementation of the peace agreement.

4. Meanwhile, on 19 June, the Malian parties reached an agreement on the modalities for the establishment of the interim administrations in the five northern regions. The ceremony was attended by the Secretary-General of the Mouvement national de libération de l’Azawad (MNLA), Bilal Ag Acherif, who travelled to Bamako for the first time in six years. Algeria and MINUSMA played a major role in facilitating his visit.

5. In spite of the above-mentioned progress, during the reporting period, there was an increase in tensions between CMA and the Platform over the control of Kidal, which had been latent since the Anéfis talks of October 2015 and the subsequent entry into Kidal of the Groupe d’autodéfense des Touaregs imghad et alliés (GATIA), which is part of the Platform, in February 2016. On 6 June, the Platform denounced what it considered to be an inequitable division of power in Kidal between CMA and the Platform, to which CMA reacted by stating that CMA remained in charge of the management of the town. On 14 July, representatives of CMA and the Platform held discussions in Niamey, at the invitation of the Government of the Niger, to address outstanding political and security issues between them. On 17 July, an agreement was reached by the two groups on the joint management of Kidal and other measures to reduce tensions.

6. However, on 19 July, shooting erupted between CMA and the Platform in Kidal, resulting in the deaths of a combatant from each group and a civilian. On 21 July, CMA and the Platform clashed again in Kidal, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people and the injuring of 89 others, including both combatants and civilians. The fighting continued through 22 July. In a statement issued on 21 July, MINUSMA condemned the violation of the ceasefire, called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and announced its intention to conduct an investigation as soon as the security situation permitted. My Special Representative for Mali used his good offices to engage with the leadership of the armed groups and called for calm through a message broadcast on the MINUSMA radio station, Radio Mikado. He also convened a meeting of the international mediation team, who agreed that the issue should be addressed in the framework of the Agreement Monitoring Committee.

7. On 25 July, the Agreement Monitoring Committee held its 10th meeting in Bamako, with representatives of both CMA and the Platform present. The armed groups reiterated the need for the urgent establishment of interim administrations wherever possible. The Government announced that resources had been allocated for the interim administrations and urged CMA and the Platform to swiftly nominate their candidates for appointment. The parties agreed to, inter alia, adjust the timeline for the establishment of the interim administrations in the light of the fighting in Kidal and create an ad hoc committee to accelerate the operationalization of the Operational Coordination Mechanism and of the mixed patrols starting in the Gao region. On that same day, my Special Representative facilitated the return of a GATIA leader from Niamey to Bamako and his subsequent meetings with government officials in order to appease the tensions in Kidal.

I. Introduction

1. Par sa résolution 2295 (2016), le Conseil de sécurité a prorogé le mandat de la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies po ur la stabilisation au Mali (MINUSMA) jusqu’au 30 juin 2017 et m’a prié de lui faire rapport tous les trois mois sur la suite donnée à sa résolution, en particulier sur les progrès accomplis dans l’application de l’Accord pour la paix et la réconciliation au Mali et l’action menée par la MINUSMA pour l’appuyer.

II. Faits politiques importants

A. Application de l’accord de paix

2. Les parties signataires ont pris d ’importantes mesures en vue d’appliquer l’accord de paix et ont notamment conclu un arrangement visant à préparer la mise en place d’autorités intérimaires. Des difficultés non négligeables subsistent cependant sur le terrain politique et dans le domaine de la sécurité, en raison du climat de méfiance qui continue de régner entre les part ies signataires. Les progrès relatifs au rétablissement progressif de l ’autorité de l’État dans le nord du pays, au cantonnement des combattants et à la poursuite de l ’intégration des groupes armés dans les mécanismes nationaux de sécurité sont restés limités.

Mesures politiques et institutionnelles

3. Les groupes armés qui ont signé le décret sur les autorités intérimaires le 18 mai ont décidé, le 20 mai, de suspendre leur participation au Sous -Comité sur les questions politiques et institutionnelles du Comité de suivi de l’accord, reprochant au Gouvernement, entre autres choses, de prendre des décisions unilatérales en la matière. Le Ministre algérien des affaires étrangères, Ramtane Lamamra, a alors engagé des consultations avec la Coordination des mouve ments de l’Azawad (CMA) et la coalition de groupes armés Plateforme afin de sortir de l’impasse. Le 31 mai, la CMA et la Plateforme ont publié une déclaration à Alger demandant la mise en place rapide des autorités intérimaires et signé un protocole d ’entente visant à renforcer leur coordination sur les questions sécuritaires, politiques et administratives. Le 15 juin, M. Mahamadou Diagouraga a été nommé Haut - Représentant du Président pour l’application de l’accord de paix. Le bureau du Haut-Représentant a pris la place du Comité national de coordination de la mise en oeuvre de l’accord de paix.

4. Entre-temps, le 19 juin, les parties maliennes ont scellé une « Entente » sur les modalités d’installation des autorités intérimaires dans les cinq régions septentrionales du pays. La cérémonie a été suivie par le Secrétaire général du Mouvement national de libération de l ’Azawad (MNLA), Bilal Ag-Acherif, qui s’est rendu à Bamako pour la première fois en six ans. L’Algérie et la MINUSMA ont joué un rôle majeur pour faciliter sa visite.

5. Malgré les avancées susmentionnées, la période considérée a également été marquée par une intensification des tensions entre la CMA et la Plateforme pour le contrôle de Kidal, tensions latentes depuis les pourparlers tenus à Anéfis en o ctobre 2015 et l’entrée à Kidal, en février 2016, du Groupe d ’autodéfense des Touaregs Imghad et alliés (GATIA) – une composante de la Plateforme. Le 6 juin, la Plateforme a dénoncé ce qu’elle considérait être une répartition inéquitable du pouvoir à Kidal entre la CMA et la Plateforme, ce à quoi la CMA a réagi en déclarant qu’elle demeurait chargée d’administrer la ville. Le 14 juillet, des représentants de la CMA et de la Plateforme ont tenu des discussions à Niamey, à l’invitation du Gouvernement nigérie n, en vue de s’entendre sur les questions politiques et sécuritaires qui restaient en suspens. Le 17 juillet, les deux groupes sont parvenus à un accord sur la gestion conjointe de Kidal et d ’autres mesures visant à apaiser les tensions.

6. Toutefois, le 19 juillet, des tirs ont éclaté entre la CMA et la Plateforme à Kidal, qui se sont soldés par la mort d ’un combattant de chaque groupe et ont également tué un civil. Le 21 juillet, de nouveaux affrontements entre la CMA et la Plateforme à Kidal ont fait au mo ins 14 tués et 89 blessés, tant dans les rangs des combattants que parmi les civils. Les combats se sont poursuivis le 22 juillet. Dans une déclaration publiée le 21 juillet, la MINUSMA a condamné la violation du cessez-le-feu, appelé à une cessation imméd iate des hostilités, et annoncé son intention de mener une enquête dès que les conditions de sécurité le permettraient. Mon Représentant spécial pour le Mali a fait usage de ses bons offices pour établir le dialogue avec les dirigeants des groupes armés et a lancé un appel au calme dans un message diffusé sur les ondes de radio Mikado, la station de la Mission. Il a également convoqué une réunion de l’équipe de médiation internationale, qui a estimé que la question devrait être examinée dans le cadre des tr avaux du Comité de suivi de l’accord.

7. Le 25 juillet, le Comité de suivi de l ’accord a tenu sa dixième réunion à Bamako, en présence de membres de la CMA et de la Plateforme. Les groupes armés ont réaffirmé la nécessité d ’installer sans tarder des autorités intérimaires, dans toute la mesure du possible. Le Gouvernement a indiqué que des moyens avaient été mobilisés à cet effet et a invité instamment la CMA et la Plateforme à désigner rapidement leurs candidats. Les parties ont entre autres décidé de modifi er le calendrier d’installation des autorités intérimaires, eu égard aux affrontements survenus à Kidal, et de charger un comité spécial d ’accélérer la mise en service du Mécanisme opérationnel de coordination et des patrouilles mixtes, en commençant par la région de Gao. Le même jour, mon Représentant spécial a facilité le retour à Bamako d’un dirigeant du GATIA qui se trouvait à Niamey et a lui apporté son concours pour qu’il puisse rencontrer ensuite des représentants du Gouvernement en vue d’apaiser les tensions à Kidal.

4 octobre 2016 – Le Secrétaire général de l'ONU, Ban Ki-moon, a fermement condamné la série d'attaques survenues lundi contre la Mission multidimensionnelle intégrée des Nations Unies pour la stabilisation au Mali (MINUSMA) dans le nord du pays.

« Selon des informations préliminaires, quatre attaques différentes ciblant le personnel et les installations de la MINUSMA se sont produites à Aguelhok, dans la région de Kidal, entrainant la mort d'un Casque bleu tchadien et en blessant huit autres », a déclaré lundi soir le porte-parole de M. Ban dans un communiqué de presse.

« Le Secrétaire général appelle à une action rapide pour que les auteurs de ces attaques soient traduits en justice », a indiqué son porte-parole. « Il rappelle que les attaques contre des Casques bleus des Nations Unies constituent des crimes de guerre selon le droit international ».

Le chef de l'ONU s'est également dit préoccupé par les récentes violations des dispositions de cessez-le-feu par les groupes armés signataires dans la zone de Kidal.

« Le Secrétaire général exhorte les parties signataires à remplir leurs obligations conformément à l'Accord pour la paix et la réconciliation au Mali », a dit son porte-parole soulignant que cela contribuerait à « restaurer la stabilité et la sécurité dans la région ».

Ban Ki-moon a présenté ses sincères condoléances à la famille du défunt ainsi qu'au gouvernement du Tchad, et a souhaité un prompt rétablissement aux blessés.

As of 30 September 2016, UN-coordinated appeals and refugee response plans within the Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) require US$22 billion to meet the needs of 95 million humanitarian crisis-affected people in 40 countries. Together the appeals are funded at $9.4 billion, leaving a shortfall of $12.6 billion.

In September, two Flash Appeals were issued and requirements for several response plans were revised. The Afghanistan Flash Appeal was launched on 7 September, requesting $152 million to respond to the urgent needs of one million people "on the move" internally and across the border up to the end of 2016. The recent surge in displacement, mainly triggered by Afghans returning from Pakistan, has far surpassed 2016 humanitarian planning figures. On 15 September, the Libya Flash Appeal requesting $10.7 million by the end of the year was issued to provide urgent protection and life-saving assistance to 79,400 people in the Libyan city of Sirte.

Requirements for the Lake Chad Basin countries of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria were revised upwards this month. Some nine million people need humanitarian assistance in the region. In north-east Nigeria alone, around 6.3 million people are severely food insecure. Global acute malnutrition rates have reached 30-60 per cent in some areas. Country teams are scaling up operations and a review of the extent of humanitarian needs has revealed an escalation of unmet requirements for the year to $542 million.

In Iraq, less than half has been received of the $284 million required by the Mosul Flash Appeal to prepare for the humanitarian consequences of the military operation to retake Mosul. In Haiti, additional funds are urgently required to reinforce response teams in affected areas and to halt the rising spread of cholera. It is vital that the disease be contained, particularly as the hurricane season expected to begin in force in early October is likely to lead to additional humanitarian needs and financial requirements.

Since January 2016, the Central Emergency Response Fund has allocated $360 million to address urgent humanitarian needs in 43 countries – a sum exceeding total contributions so far this year of $345 million. In September, CERF disbursed $69 million to provide immediate, life-saving assistance in ten countries to 2.2 million people. A donor country recently contributed an additional $23.4 million to bridge the anticipated deficit of $50 million from the $450 million annual CERF funding target.

Meanwhile, 18 country-based pooled funds (CBPFs) have raised $473 million up to September 2016. In all, CBPFs have allocated $360 million to aid agencies this year: 18 per cent to national NGOs, 46 per cent to international NGOs, 35 per cent to UN agencies and 1 per cent to the Red Cross/Red Crescent movement. CBPFs continue as one of the most substantial and direct sources of funding for the programmes of local and national frontline responders.

Situation update

The Ministry of Health of Niger notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an outbreak of Rift Valley Fever (RVF) on 30 August 2016. The first suspected cases were reported from Tchintabaraden health district in Tahoua region on 2 August, 2016. On 31August 2016, an outbreak investigation team composed of the Ministry of Health and WHO staff were deployed in the field to carry-out an initial investigation and support the implementation of immediate response measures. The samples collected were sent to Institute Pasteur Dakar on 9 September 2016 and turned out positive for Rift Valley Fever.

As of 28 September 2016, a total of 78 human cases including 26 deaths (CFR: 33%) were reported from Tchintabaraden health district in Tahoua region.
Most of the cases are male (66%), farmers or animal breeders. Cases and deaths attributed to RVF are also being reported in animals. A total of six animal samples were tested positive for RVF as at 26 September 2016.

The risk associated with this outbreak is high given its potential for spread to neighboring countries, limited local laboratory capacity to detect and confirm RVF cases, prevailing security situation in the sub-region and movement of the animal and human population. Nomadic stockbreeders from Niger and neighboring countries are gathering in the areas called In-gall with their herds to celebrate Cure Salée (a yearly festival of the nomads that marks end of the rainy season). It takes place in the last week of September. Around 2 million cattle and even more small ruminant are currently reported to be present in the area. Following end of the rainy season, nomadic animal population will move to other Southern Sub-Saharan countries and irrigation system along the Niger River where pastures will still be available.

Actions undertaken

In line with the International Health Regulations, WHO supported the Ministry of Health in carrying out the initial outbreak investigation which led to the collection of human and animal samples, confirmation of the outbreak and notification by the Ministry of Health of RVF. WHO also deployed a team of experts in the field to support the Ministry of Health in enhancing the coordination and response to the outbreak.

Given the zoonotic nature of the outbreak, WHO is closely working with FAO and other partners to support response measures in line with the One Health Approach.
Further information on response operations will be made available as soon as it becomes available.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Preliminary results indicate that 226,003 children were reached in the first phase of the polio immunization campaign that targeted 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in hard to reach areas.
  The second phase of the campaign commenced on 25 September 2016 and is covering nine accessible areas. Both campaigns aim at reaching a total of 1.6 million children in Borno State.

• Security challenges coupled with difficult terrain in parts of Borno state prevent the conduct of rapid investigations of suspected cases of communicable diseases in the affected communities.  800 health facilities (21 of which are hospitals) have been damaged in four states of Yobe, Adamawa,
  Gombe and Borno due to the conflict. In Borno state, 80% of LGAs do not have sufficient functioning health facilities.

• A UNICEF supported 24 hours clinic was set up at the Rehabilitation Centre for the 556 women and children released from insurgents.

Situation Update

• The most recent IOM Data Tracking Matrix exercise (1 August – 15 September, 2016) reported a total of 1,446,829 IDPs in Borno, with approximately 20% living in camps and 80% living among host communities.

• Given the level of destruction to the health facilities and devastating impact of the insurgency upon the health system, accessibility to basic health services remains extremely challenging. Although several partners are currently providing support, more is needed to ensure that all people receive the much needed essential lifesaving primary health services.

• Access to hundreds of communities previously under the control of the insurgents has opened up as areas are cleared of insurgents. Many of these communities are in urgent and immediate need of humanitarian assistance, however road travel to many locations remains difficult and conditions outside guarded camps or settlements are not secure. Alternative strategies to access hard to reach communities are under development within the Health Sector in Borno State.

• A report of the North-East assessment conducted by the Special Duties Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Health Sector Working Group in May 2016 shows that overall, due to the insurgency, 800 health facilities (including 21 hospitals) have been damaged and have lost their equipment in the states of Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe and Borno. This breakdown has hampered humanitarian assistance.In Borno state alone, 80% of LGAs do not have sufficient functioning health facilities.

• Lack of medicines is another major issue, together with a weak referral system.

• According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), three LGAs are completely inaccessible; four are fully accessible while 20 are partially accessible with varying levels from 80% to 90%, refer to map 1. Security challenges coupled with difficult terrain in parts of Borno state prevent the conduct of rapid investigations of suspected cases of communicable diseases and create great challenges for delivery of a response to in the affected communities. The Ministry of Health and partners are attempting to address these challenges through deployment of locally based community health workers, coordination with the military to support travel and facilitate communication between Maiduguri and hard to reach locations, as well as entry to isolated areas via more secure border crossings.

“Without true passion for your work, passion to give of yourself and go out and do your best every day even in difficult circumstances, you cannot be a good teacher,” said Ms Aisha Kadiri, a master trainer working with teachers involved with internally displaced learners in parts of Nigeria where education has been disrupted by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Ms Kadiri, Dean of the School of Early Childhood Care and Primary Education, Federal College of Education, in Yola, Nigeria, spoke to UNESCO on the occasion of World Teachers’ Day. She has vast experience of working in refugee camps with primary and secondary school children and teachers often severely traumatised.

“In the work I do in the camps I have seen children who have been so affected by what they have experienced or witnessed that they are completely cut off and distracted when they are in class. They need to be brought out of their trauma with teachers trained in psychosocial skills,” said Ms Kadiri who is specialised in capacity-building of teachers/caregivers, the development of play materials and implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative.

Teachers bring order and discipline back to their lives

“When we arrive at the camp gates they surge forward to take anything that we are bringing as school materials. Often they have been subject to a lot of violence and will be very aggressive themselves, beating each other all the time. We, as teachers, have to bring order and some discipline back to their lives. We have to teach them to sit and be patient, to pay attention. Often the security personnel they come into contact with will also have to be retrained that it is not normal to deal with children violently.

“When it comes to teachers, many of whom may be from the camps themselves and are volunteers, we have to build their capacity on how to engage the children and make learning materials from their own environment. Once the children engage and become busy they are so much easier to teach.”

Ensuring a future for children

She is clear on what motivates teachers in such insecure circumstances. Many have fled their own homes and are working without support materials and often without pay for many months.

“These teachers have seen their communities destroyed. They want to ensure that these children do not have their futures also destroyed. We can offer them training to help them remain committed to seeing that the lives of these children do not stop.”

Ms Kadiri, a speaker at the recent UNESCO International Conference on the Prevention of Violent Extremism through Education, says much has been done by the government to improve safety but teaching remains an unsafe profession.

“Sporadic attacks are carried out to build fear in people’s minds and create havoc. Teachers in particular can feel menaced and it is made worse by the fact that you don’t always know who your enemy is. It may be your neighbour who has been brainwashed.”

She said support, and occasions like World Teachers’ Day, were important to inspire teachers to continue.

“Teaching has to come from the heart,” said Ms Kadiri. “It often involves sacrifice. As soon as you lose your passion and start to question everything it is much more difficult to do your best job. I understand motivation from my own circumstance. When I was invited to speak at the UNESCO conference I was not expecting it. But I felt that someone, somewhere in the world had recognized my work and it made it easier to carry on.”

This year UNESCO marks WTD on the 50th anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers. This year’s theme, Valuing Teachers, Improving their Status, embodies the principles of the Recommendation while highlighting the need to support teachers to achieve the Global Education 2030 Agenda.