OCHA South Sudan Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin for the period 24-30 September 2012

Highlights:

• Seasonal flooding between June and September has affected over 258,000 people - at least triple the number of people impacted in 2011, according to inter-agency assessments.
• The overall health of Sudanese refugees in Upper Nile State reportedly improved during the week, with severe malnutrition above emergency thresholds of 15 per cent, according to UNHCR.
• Breakthrough agreements on oil, trade and security between South Sudan and Sudan likely to improve food security and economic conditions for South Sudanese.

Situation overview

Humanitarian organizations continued to respond to flood-affected communities across South Sudan, with the number of people affected by seasonal flooding between June and September reaching over 258,000. This is triple the number of people affected over the same period in 2011. In Jonglei State, aid organizations are on standby to respond to displaced populations from Pibor County, as sporadic fighting between the South Sudan army and rebel militia continued over the week. The response to the Sudanese refugee crisis continued, with health improvements reported in camps in Upper Nile State, where severe malnutrition rates were above emergency thresholds of 15 per cent.

Breakthrough agreements reached on oil, trade and security

Agreements were reached between the Presidents of South Sudan and Sudan on 27 September in Addis Ababa, on oil, trade and security, after days of closed-door AU- mediated talks. The demilitarization of the border area paves the way for trade to resume between South Sudan and Sudan, and is likely to improve food security and lower prices, especially in border areas. The resumption of oil production will kick-start South Sudan’s struggling economy, and strengthen people’s purchasing power. The UN Secretary General hailed the agreements, saying that they provided vital elements in building a strong foundation for a stable and prosperous future between the two countries. The UN chief lauded both Presidents ‘for demonstrating the statesmanship that made a comprehensive agreement possible, and for having once again chosen peace over war’.

On 31 September, UN Security Council called for the full implementation of the
agreements, and for further agreements to be reached on unresolved issues including the status of Abyei and at least five other disputed areas.

Download the full report here:

OCHA South Sudan Weekly Humanitarian Bulletin for the period 24-30 September 2012