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Cross Border Analysis and Mapping

Field Report for Cluster 3: Western Ethiopia-East Sudan (Blue Nile and Sennar States)

December 2016

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The Research and Evidence Facility (REF) of the EU Trust Fund for Africa (Horn of Africa Window) is managed by a consortium led by SOAS University of London, with the International Migration Institute at the University of Oxford and Sahan Research Ltd. The REF provides independent, policy- and programme-relevant research on conflict and irregular migration in the Horn of Africa.

Further information about the REF can be found at: www.soas.ac.uk/ref-hornresearch, on Twitter at @REFHorn or Facebook at ‘Research & Evidence Facility’. For enquiries, please contact Dr Idil Osman, io7@soas.ac.uk

This report is funded by the EU Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The Trust Fund has been created to support the most fragile and affected African countries. The Trust Fund aims to help foster stability in the regions to respond to the challenges of irregular migration and displacement and to contribute to better migration management.

The views expressed in this report are those of the researchers and do not indicate a position or opinion on the part of the European Union or the EU Trust Fund for Africa.

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Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary ........................................................................................................... 4

2. Methodology ...................................................................................................................... 5

3. General Description of the Context of the Cluster .......................................................... 6 3.1. Size, population and ethnic composition ..................................................................................................6 3.2. Cross border Infrastructure ........................................................................................................................7 3.3 Resource management and economic activities ........................................................................................9 3.4 Water management systems ......................................................................................................................10 3.5 Sources of vulnerabilities ...........................................................................................................................10

4. Specific Context in Terms of Migration and Stability ...................................................... 11 4.1 Forms of migration ....................................................................................................................................11

4.1.1 Forced displacement ..........................................................................11 4.1.2 Labour migration ..........................................................................12

5. Seasonal pastoralist migration ........................................................................................... 13 5.1 Irregular migration in this cluster ..............................................................................................................15

5.1.1 Human trafficking and smuggling: ..........................................................................15 5.1.2 The migration routes, the means of smuggling and the fees for smuggling:.......................................................15

5.2 Reasons for migrating ................................................................................................................................16 5.3 Principle causes of conflict and instability ...............................................................................................16

5.3.1 Inter-communal conflict between farmers and pastoralists ..........................................................................16 5.3.2 Conflict among pastoralists ..........................................................................16 5.3.3. Political and/or armed conflict in the Southern Blue Nile ..........................................................................17 5.3.4. Trans-border communal conflict between pastoralists in Sudan and Ethiopia .................................................18

6. Other Actors and Existing Activities ................................................................................ 18 6.1 Responses provided to address migration, displacement and instability...............................................18 6.2 Priorities identified and activities implemented in each cluster .............................................................20

6.2.1. The bilateral relations between Ethiopian & Sudan ..........................................................................20 6.2.2 Challenges to be addressed ..........................................................................20

6.3 Recommendations and additional information .......................................................................................21 6.3.1. The restoration of border trade: ..........................................................................21 6.3.2. Strengthening existing mechanisms ..........................................................................21 Support the traditional administration to act as an early warning mechanism and effective intervener to settle inter-communal and cross border conflicts by strengthening existing mechanisms. ...............................................................21 6.3.3. Enhance community security and resilience: ..........................................................................21 6.3.4. Enhancing cross border-cooperation to control irregular migration: .................................................................22 6.3.5. Strengthening partnership between government and local authorities. .............................................................22

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1. Executive Summary This research provides baseline information relating to security, political, economic, social, environmental and migration dynamics in Sudan’s Blue Nile and Sennar states. The research is divided into three parts. The first part provides general demographic information about the two states, the infrastructures in the two states and cross-border infrastructures, and the available resource management mechanisms. The first part also provides information about the socioeconomic activities in the two states, the cross-border activities and the sources of vulnerabilities. The second part of the report relates to conflict and migration dynamics in the two states. The third part highlights the different actors (including NGOs, INGOs and UN agencies) and their areas of intervention in the two states. Additionally, it provides recommendations for future interventions. The research found few mechanisms to manage resources, such as water, across the borders in both states, which undermines community security within the state and across the border. Seasonal movement of pastoralists occurs in the two states and across the borders with Ethiopia, and these movements are not fully organized or regulated, which leads to conflict and insecurity. Forced displacement is linked to ongoing conflict in Blue Nile State, where IDPs and refugees contribute to the numbers of the forcibly displaced. Ethiopian irregular migrants cross the border with Blue Nile State and, less frequently, the borders with Sennar State, with large numbers of seasonal labourers concentrated in the northeast and northwest of Blue Nile State. Ethiopians make up the majority of migrants, originating mainly from Amhara, Oromia and the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNPR). Borders are not clearly demarcated in all areas, migration is not well regulated and there is an absence of immigration authorities, resulting in frequent cross border movements and cases of communal conflict. Irregular migration is occurring more frequently but can neither be quantified nor are the terms human smuggling and human trafficking clearly defined. Migration routes for smuggling are mainly from the northeast borders, whereas southeastern routes are used less frequently due to on-going conflict. A number of recommendations have been identified by the research. The development, monitoring and regulating of pastoral routes on border areas is necessary to enhance community security and resilience in the areas of study. Furthermore, environmental degradation needs to be addressed and awareness created among communities. Capacity building and enhanced cross-border cooperation to control irregular migration should be supported. There is also a need to establish border offices for passport and migration police at the four border towns. Finally, this research recommends that workshops, joint forums and conferences be used as tools to strengthen partnerships and information banks, and that platforms be established to ensure access to information and quality data.

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2. Methodology (1) The researcher conducted fieldwork from 6th of November to 15th of November 2016. This included visits to the two states of Blue Nile (BN) and Sennar, as well as parts of their peripheries, namely, Minza Town in BN state and Ad-Dinder locality in Sennar state.

(2) Two types of data were collected to inform this report:

• Primary data: o Structured interviews with officials and civil society representatives in the two

states. o 1 focus group discussion with Ethiopian migrants on the 11th of October 2016.

• Data collected from secondary resources:

o The National Census of 2008 o Multiple-Cluster-Indicator-Survey (MCIS) 2014 o The Ministry of Health in BN state, January 2016. o NSDDRC-SC/UNDP 2010.

Representatives from the following governmental institutions were interviewed during the field work: Ministry of Social Welfare, Women and Child Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry; Water Commission, Department of Pastures and Fodder; Trade Directorate; Urban Planning and Roads; Government General Directorate; Passport and Immigration Police; and Customs Police. Representatives from civil society, tribal leaders, UN agencies and NGOs were

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also interviewed (including Peace Council, UNICEF and CAFA Organisation), in addition to migrants themselves.

3. General Description of the Context of the Cluster 3.1. Size, population and ethnic composition What are the size, population and ethnic composition of the border area?

• Blue Nile state has an area of 45,844 Km². It borders two countries: Ethiopia and South Sudan. It is located to the south of the Sennar state.

• Sennar state has an area of 37,844 Km². It is located in Central Sudan bordered by Gezira state to the north, White Nile state to the west, Gedarif state to the east, Blue Nile state and Upper Nile state in the South Sudan to the south.

• A paved road of 110 km length connects Blue Nile and Sennar states. • Both states border Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz Region.

3.1.1 Ethnic composition • Blue Nile state ethnic groups can be divided into three categories:

o The indigenous inhabitants who live in Southern part of the state that include; Berta, Hamaj, Ingessina, Wataweet, Dawal, Gumuz, Barun, Mabaan, Udu and Jumjum.

o Arab tribes who migrated from the North to the Blue Nile in the eighteenth century; Arab Jallien, Shaggiya, Kamatir, Ashraf, Rufa'a, Kenana.

o The tribes that migrated from Western Sudan and Western Africa; Bagara, Zagawa, Massalit and Fur, in addition to Falata who migrated from Western Africa. Falata have been closely linked to the successive Khartoum governments (Young, 2013, 237).

• Sennar state: Sennar state is home to a large number of distinct ethnicities; however, most inhabitants are a mixture of Arab and African tribes. All ethnicities mentioned above in Blue Nile are found in the social fabric of SN state, with significant presence of the Falata tribe who first resided in Sennar before the Blue Nile state, and established Mayrno city after the collapse of their sultanate in Western Africa during the 19th century.

General Statistical figures (million as measuring unit): State All

Male Female Male-female

ratio Non-Sudanese

Blue Nile 0.8 0.42 0.41 102 .002 Sennar 1.28 0.62 0.65 94 .003 Source: National Census of 2008

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Urban, rural and nomadic population counts State Urban Rural Nomads Male Female Male Female Male Female Blue Nile 105,561 96,792 299,849 298,009 16,348 15,553 Sennar 287,573 996,621 Source: National Census of 2008 Population density State Population density Blue Nile 18.15person/ km Sennar 56.91person/km Source: National Census of 2008 Population size by localities (million as measuring unit) Sennar State: Ad-Dali Abu-

Hujar Senja El-Soki Ad-

Dinder Sennar Eastern

Sennar .07 .13 .15 .20 .19 .29 .22 Blue Nile State: Qissan Kurmuk Baw Wad-El-

Mahi El-Tadamon

El-Rosirus

El-Damazine

.87 .11 .12 * .077 .21* .21 * In the Blue Nile state, the locality of El-Rosirus is divided between two states, Blue Nile and Wad-El Mahi. ** The yellow coloured localities are the ones that share borders with the Ethiopian region of Benishangul-Gumuz. 3.2. Cross border Infrastructure What infrastructure is available on each side of the border? Figures of health facilities in BN state *The highlighted localities are those located on the border with Ethiopia. Localities Primary Health

Care Centre Health Unit Public Hospital

El-Damazine 30 15 7 El-Rosirus 11 16 3 El-Tadamon 6 4 2 Wad-El-Mahi 10 10 0 Baw 2 2 1 Kurmuk 2 7 2 Qissan 8 20 2 Source Ministry of Health in BN state, January 2016 Figures of health facilities in SN state

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Number Name of Health Facility 24 Public Hospital 69 Health Unit 84 Primary Health Care Centre

Source: NSDDRC-SC/UNDP 2010

(I) Sennar (SN) state:

• Ad-Dinder locality's borders represent the only shared borders between SN state and Ethiopia. The distance between the city of Ad-Dinder and the state capital is 45 km (via paved road), however the distance from each point in the border is longer than the distance from the city of Ad-Dinder and the capital of state. Additionally, the area that borders Ethiopia is a national reserve wildlife park that bears the name of the locality.

• This area has no official border exit point to Ethiopia. Furthermore, it is hard to access by irregular migrants due to the topography of the bordering area, the tight monitoring by the wildlife police in Sudan and its distance from the nearest urban centre.

(II) Blue Nile (BN) state: • The borders of BN state with Ethiopia have seven exit points; only three are accessible

for the time being due to the conflict in the southern part of BN state. Border entry and exit points between Ethiopia and Sudan:

Localities of border points in BN State

BN State Benishangul-Gumuz region in Ethiopia

Accessibility to the entry points

Wad-El-Mahi

Jabal Nimer El-Mahal Inaccessible in autumn season (May-October) due to rains.

Um'Darfa Ya'maza Ya'Bashar Minza

Qissan Qissan El-Biru Accessible only when accompanied with army convoy due to the on-going conflict.

Kurmuk Kurmuk Kurmuk Flight or army convoy Wad-El-Mahi Ashimbo Yarda Inaccessible in

autumn due to rainy season.

Minza El-Mahal

Kurmuk Yabus Yabus SPLM-N Control. Border units Distance between border units Minza – Ya’Bashar 40 km

Ya’Bashar –Umdarfa 43 km

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3.3 Resource management and economic activities How are resources managed, and are there any joint or shared resource management mechanisms? What economic activities are practiced in the border areas? What economic and social connections exist between communities on both sides of the border? The major cross border economic activity is border trade. Border trade is organized to exchange specific commodities between the local communities in the markets of the bordering areas. Weekly Joint markets at borders

Working days Custom police station

Minza Tuesday Custom police station Ya’Bashar Sunday No customs points Um’Darfa Friday No customs points Exports from Sudan via border trade Exports from Ethiopia via cross border Plastic products (chairs & tables) Fruits Kitchen kits, used jutes and powder soap, Electric batteries

Ethiopians peanuts Garlic, lentils and butters, Building sticks (Bamboo)

Furniture and food products Honey-Spices Although the border trade was suspended by the economic sector in Sudan in 2009, it is still running at a limited capacity due to the exception made by the General Director of the Sudanese customs to allow cross border transactions up to a value of US$ 5,000. Border trade does not require a certificate of origin for the traded commodities. Additionally, it does not require hard currency. The border trade area was extended to 90 km from the border rather than 70 km in the past. Apart from the changing of the Sudanese official position towards the border trade, a major problem that limits the growth of border trade and its role in enhancing the stability and resilience of border communities lies in the poor quality of the roads that render these markets inaccessible from the urban centres in the BN state throughout the autumn season. Most of the roads that connect these bordering markets with the major cities in the BN state are not paved.

Distance Roads

84 km El-Damazine – Um’Darfa 95 km El-Damazine – Ya’Bashar 104 km (of which 54 km needs rehabilitation) El-Damazine - Minza 165 km El-Damazine – Kurmuk

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3.4 Water management systems With reference to water resources specifically, what kinds of water management systems are in place? There are no mechanisms in place to manage water resources across the borders in both states, according to the interview with the State Water Commission. In WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) strategic planning 2012-2016, the water provision planned to reach 20 litres per capita in the rural area. The current gap measured against the targeted percentage amount to 10 litres per capita. In BN state, the water provision for human and animal needs does not cover more than 30% of the needs.

State Household access to improved water sources

Household using improved sanitation facility

Household practicing open defecation

Blue Nile 71.3 %. 42.8 %. 11.4%. Sennar 88.7 %. 28.9%. 34.6%. Source: Multi Cluster Indicator Survey (MICS), 2014. According to an interview with the Department of Pastures and Fodder, there is no shared mechanism to manage the pastures across the borders. There are no clear policies in regard to the management of pastures within the state. As mentioned later under the conflict dynamics section of this report, as well as under the recommendations, the absence of mechanisms to manage the shared resources across the borders is a major challenge that undermines community security within the state and across the borders. 3.5 Sources of vulnerabilities What are the sources of vulnerabilities in the border areas? The main sources of vulnerabilities are the on-going conflict in BN state and the land alienation of indigenous communities in BN state. Given that the vast majority of the populations of the two states work on the traditional sectors as farmers or pastoralists, the weak response to address environmental degradation represents a major source of vulnerability. The on-going conflict in the BN state re-emerged in 2011, and has led to the displacement of communities and the collapse of social networks. The number of female-headed households has increased as a result of the on-going conflict. State Unemployment

rate Literacy rate of 14-25 years old

Life expectancy at birth

Maternal mortality ratio per 100000

% of HH without latrine

Male Female Male Female Male Female

BN 11.5 % 20.9 % 67 % 46 % 48.80 51.40 577.70 46.80 % SN 18.3 % 36.2 % 78 % 65 % 58.30 62.10 509.10 51.50 %

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State

% of HH owning agricultural land

% of HH Owning animal livestock

Est. fertility rate (HH survey 2006)

Under five mortality rate

Blue Nile 48.0 62.9 7.2 83.9 per 1000 live birth

SN 42.7 51.7 5.4 51.6 per 1000 live birth

Source: Multiple-Cluster-Indicator-Survey (MCIS) 2014

4. Specific Context in Terms of Migration and Stability 4.1 Forms of migration What are the forms of migration in the area? A number of different forms of migration are taking place in the two states. The main forms of migration are forced displacement, labour migration (of mainly Ethiopian migrants) and the seasonal migration of pastoralists.

4.1.1 Forced displacement Forced displacement is linked to the on-going conflict in the BN state and the internal displacement of communities in the conflict zones (Southern Blue Nile) as well as the influx of refugees from neighbouring countries, mainly South Sudan. The re-emergence of the armed conflict in the south of the Blue Nile state in 2011 resulted in the internal displacement of 30,000 persons, mostly from the indigenous population. The displaced have been resettled in the east of El-Rosairus locality in six villages: Gary, El-Azaza, Wad Dafodi, Shanisha, Eldowaima and Wad Shantour. These villages lack the basic services and minimum requirement of a dignified life. The displaced work mostly as wage labourers in the mechanized agricultural schemes or in the mining sector. In addition to IDPs, refugees (mainly fleeing conflict in South Sudan) also contribute to the numbers of forcibly displaced in the study area. Most of the refugees are from indigenous tribes located in southern Blue Nile State. Many live in the refugee camps of Duru, El-Jamam and Julhak.

• Camp name • Number of refugees • Number of registered

refugees • Duru • 73,000 • 31,000 • El-Jamam • 45,000 • 10,000 • Julhak • 10,000 • 10,000

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4.1.2 Labour migration Ethiopian irregular migrants cross the border with BN state and less frequently the borders with Sennar State. This occurs without the official consent from the Sudanese authorities. A large number of labour migrants seek work as seasonal labourers on agricultural schemes concentrated in the northeast and northwest of BN state (Kadalo ecological zone). They also work on fruit farms in Sennar state. The demand for Ethiopians as seasonal labourers in the agricultural schemes has grown to compensate for the reduction in the availability of South Sudanese seasonal labourers since South Sudan became independent in 2005. In addition to the mechanized agricultural schemes, the migrants work on mining sites, and less significantly in other jobs as street vendors and domestic workers. Domestic work is also a major source of income for female migrants. Considerable numbers of irregular and regular migrants (although accurate statistics for this are not available) also stay temporarily in the two states in order to earn enough money to continue their journey crossing Sudan towards Europe.

Economic activities of regular and irregular migrants.

Est. number of irregular migrants

Number of registered migrants (regular migrants)

State

Seasonal labourers in harvesting of Cotton, Sorghum and Sugar & Mining

3,000 working as seasonal labourers in mechanized agricultural schemes

1,500 Blue Nile

Fruits growers &Irrigated agricultural schemes 3,000 2,288 Sennar

(Source: interview with passport and migration department in BN state) Unlike the borders of Sennar state with Ethiopia, the borders of BN state are more accessible due to its topography and its greater proximity to urban centres. Ad-Dinder wildlife reserve complicates accessibility and raises the cost of smuggling into the Sudanese borders through Sennar state. On the border of the BN state with Ethiopia, there is no office for the passport and migration police at the borders to register the Ethiopian migrants who cross the border. This fact undermines any official figures about the regular or irregular migrants who cross the borders to Sudan through the borders of BN state or SN state. Registration of migrants is rarely carried out by either the agencies that import labourers or by the authorities. The work permit duration for Ethiopian workers was reduced in 2016 from one year to six months. The justification for the shortening of the period is that the one-year work permit allows labourers to work for more than one season. The majority of the Ethiopian labour migrants (an estimated 70%) come from Amhara region; the rest are from Oromia region and Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples region in Ethiopia. According to interviews with the Passport and Migration Department, most of the arrested irregular migrants originate from Bahir-Dar, Gondar (both in Amhara region), Assosa (Benishangul region) and Humera (Tigray region).

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In both states, there is a presence of Ethiopian officials who deal with migrants’ affairs in cooperation with the relevant authorities in the two states. Unlike BN state, in SN state there is a well-established office for the Ethiopian community located in close proximity to the passport and migration office of the state.

5. Seasonal pastoralist migration This relates to the seasonal movements of pastoralists and their livestock in the two states and, more recently, across borders with Ethiopia. This form of migration occurs in two directions: southwards in the summer season and northwards in the autumn rainy season (May-October). After the separation of Sudan and South Sudan, and the eruption of civil war in South Sudan, the Southern route has become less popular in comparison to the eastern route crossing the border with Ethiopia. The Southern routes for pastoralists are used by nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes in BN state as well as in Darfur. However, since the independence of South Sudan, there have been disputes in regard to border demarcation as well as an internationally arbitrated dispute over the Abyei district. This has significantly reduced access to the Southern pastoral routes. See below map for further details on pastoralist routes.

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5.1 Irregular migration in this cluster Is Irregular Migration Going On In This Cluster? Irregular migration is occurring in the two states. However, it is difficult to quantify each type of irregular migration. For instance, the interviewees, whether in the civil society or government, are not fully aware of the differences between human trafficking and human smuggling.

5.1.1 Human trafficking and smuggling: The police have investigated a few cases of trafficking. Nevertheless, the definition of trafficking and smuggling remains confused. According to the interviews with passport and migration police, no single training on identification of trafficking has been carried out in the state. Interviews with Ethiopian migrants in the BN state highlighted that, following their arrival into BN state; smugglers sometimes threaten their clients if they do not quickly pay the rest of the fees (smuggling fees are paid in instalments upon the arrival of the migrant in their destination or at designated points along the way to their final destination). In cases of refusal, the threatening materializes in harsh punishments and even suspicious incidents of death – two such cases were mentioned to the interviewer:

• In October 2016, an Ethiopian girl was murdered by her ‘boyfriend’ only weeks after he came from Khartoum. The case is suspected by Ethiopian community in El-Damazine to be a trafficking case.

• Another murder incident was reported in 2015. The victim was an Ethiopian girl and the murderers were suspected of being traffickers. No arrests were made.

5.1.2 The migration routes, the means of smuggling and the fees for smuggling: • The migration routes across the borders of BN state are mainly from the northeast

borders. Currently, the southeast routes are less used due to the on-going conflict. • The distance of the smuggling routes from the northeast part of the state to the capital

of the state is estimated to take from 5-7 hours by motorbike, the main mode of travel of migrants, depending on the entry point on the borderline.

• Motorbikes are used, as they are well suited to the hardship of the route, are more cost effective and better at evading checkpoints. The motorbike smuggles two irregular migrants in each trip at a cost of 2000- 4000 SDG (approximately $300-$600) per person.

• Smugglers start their activities once the dry season begins (November to May). • From informal interviews with youths organized through CAFA organization, and also

from other informants, smuggling has become a significant income generating activity.

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5.2 Reasons for migrating What are the reasons that people move or migrate? People’s motivations for migrating vary widely and depend on the type of migration they undertake. It can be a survival strategy, or may be politically motivated, in case of forced displacement. Natural and cultural factors play a key role in the seasonal movement of pastoralists. Employment opportunities and the search for a ‘better life’ are the main drivers of labour migration, whether regular or irregular. 5.3 Principle causes of conflict and instability What are the principle causes of instability or conflict? In this section, the report highlights four types of conflict: inter-communal conflict between farmers and pastoralists; conflict among the pastoralists; the political and/or armed conflict in the Southern Blue Nile; and trans-border communal conflict between pastoralists in Sudan and Ethiopia.

5.3.1 Inter-communal conflict between farmers and pastoralists This is linked to historical conflict between traditional farmers and pastoralists over the right to access the land and the water resources. These conflicts emerge because of the trespassing of animals on crops. Pastoralists are nomadic or semi-nomadic (e.g. Rufa'a, Kenana and Falata) and move their cattle to the South in the summer and return back to the North in autumn (May - October). The traditional administration still plays an important role with relevant authorities (such as the Department of Pastures and Fodders at the Ministry of Agriculture) playing a central role in settling these conflicts by maintaining early warning mechanisms and protection measures, in addition to direct engagement with the traditional farmers and pastoralists.

5.3.2 Conflict among pastoralists Conflict among pastoralists is also linked to the decline of pastures and spaces available for traditional farmers. This can be explained by a number of factors, the first being the expansion of the mechanized agricultural schemes. As a result of the application of the Unregistered Lands Act 1970, central government has the right to dispossess the population of the BN state from their customary right over their lands (Johnson, 2011). Most smallholders in the state (unlike other regions in middle and Northern Sudan) are not granted private property rights (KOMEY, 2008). In a research paper published in 2006 by the Sudanese Environment Conservation Society, a chapter on mechanized farming and conflict in Sudan indicated that 92% of pastoralists of BN and SN states perceive the expansion of the mechanized farming as a cause of conflict, while 56% of traditional farmers in BN state perceive the expansion of mechanized agriculture as a cause of conflict. Only 5% of traditional farmers in SN state perceive it as a cause of conflict. In

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the same research, the blocking of pastoral routes by mechanized farming was identified as a major negative impact followed by the destruction of pastures and water resources. By reflecting on the socio-economic characteristics of mechanized farm owners, the research demonstrated clearly that this sector is often dominated and controlled by government elites or traders mostly from outside the BN state. The study shows that around 70% of the mechanized agricultural schemes owners are not from the BN state. A second factor that explains the decline in pastures and farming spaces, and ensuing inter-communal conflicts, is environmental degradation. The expansion of the Ad-Dinder wildlife park, combined with the heightening of El-Rosairus dam in 2013 and the subsequent environmental degradation, has limited the access of traditional farmers and pastoralists to the land. Sample of the size of the lands plotted for the mechanized agricultural schemes: The name of agricultural schemes The size of the plotted land Egyptian-Sudanese integration project (SULIMAN, 2001)

Approximately 1,400 square miles

The Green Valley (Ibid) Approximately 300 square miles El-Damzaine for agricultural production Approximately 800 square miles El-Wafa (Ibid) Approximately 120 square miles El-Aman (Ibid) Approximately 150 square miles Arabic Corporation For Agricultural Investment

187,500 Feddan from RORO and FUNJ Villages (3ayen, 2015).

KWAITI & EMIRATI Investors 1.5 – 2 Million Feddan, the newly developed irrigated area after the heightening of the Dam (VERHOEVEN, 2015).

ALHANO- SAUDI ARABIAN Company 40,000 Feddan from KHOR DONYA forest (Ibid)

5.3.3. Political and/or armed conflict in the Southern Blue Nile This conflict is occurring between the regime in Khartoum and the Sudan People Liberation Movement-North sector (SPLM-N). The political discourse of the SPLM-N emphasizes the exploitative nature of core-periphery relations that marginalize and alienate the indigenous population of the BN state. The conflict re-emerged in September 2011, at the end of a transitional period that lasted for six years. The failure of the two parties to agree on the scope of the popular consultation on the constitutional position of the three areas (Blue Nile, South Kurdufan and Abyei region) restarted the conflict, in 2011. While SPLM-N supported greater autonomy, their partner in the government (NCP- National Congress Party) called for less degree of autonomy in the form of Federalism. The social dynamics around the popular consultation also showed a significant degree of social division between the African tribes who mainly supported the SPLM-N and the Arab tribes who mainly supported the NCP. The crux of the conflict in the BN state as mentioned above revolves around the relation with central government and historical claims of marginalization of indigenous tribes.

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5.3.4. Trans-border communal conflict between pastoralists in Sudan and Ethiopia Cross-border conflicts emerge when pastoralists move eastwards to cross the border of Ethiopia to graze. This genre of conflict has become more frequent in recent times, since the south routes are blocked due the secession of South Sudan and the civil war in the South. More infrequent conflicts emerge in this area when Ethiopian pastoralists trespass the borders to graze in the wildlife reserve of Ad-Dinder. For example, in a recent case, July 2016, wildlife police in Sudan arrested 24 Ethiopian pastoralists, which in turn led the Ethiopian army to arrest 10 policemen from Sudan in exchange for prisoners. The negotiation included the local authorities on both sides as well as the traditional administration in Sudan. Falata Tribes from Sudan also trespass the borders to graze in Ethiopia. This fuels tensions among the Sudanese cattle herders and the farmers on the Ethiopian side. The movements of the pastoralists are southwards and eastwards. Because of the situation and unstable relations with South Sudan, the pastoralists have been rendered heavily dependent on the eastern direction towards Ethiopia, which results in frequent minor conflicts.

6. Other Actors and Existing Activities 6.1 Responses provided to address migration, displacement and instability What responses are already provided by other donors, non-governmental and civil society organisations, IGAD, partner state governments, to address migration, displacement and instability? Actors in BN state and their areas of intervention:

NGOs/CBOs/ G-NGOs

INGOs UN agencies

CAFA (Aids prevention, Youth peer education)

Practical Action (Promotion of Intermediary technology) Mainly in agriculture

UNICEF (Early childhood care and education, development and children protection).

FPDO (Peace building & HIV Aids Prevention, WASH, Nutrition)

Islamic Relief (Humanitarian relief and developmental work).

UNFPA (No separate office - premises are within the Ministry of Health) (HIV Aids prevention, Reproductive health)

PEACE COUNCIL (Community security and social cohesion through inter-communal dialogues, pasture improvement and enhancing the traditional farming technologies and practices)

AECOM –USAID (Developmental work, awareness raising and capacity building)

WFP (Food security and humanitarian assistance)

JASMAR (Mine detection & Aids prevention)

Save the Children (Early childhood care and

WHO (No separate office - premises within the

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education, development and children protection)

Ministry of Health)

Global Health Foundation ADRA (Humanitarian relief and developmental work).

ZAINAB (GBV & Girls' education)

World Vision (Humanitarian relief and developmental work).

Red Crescent (Humanitarian Assistance)

PAN CARE (WASH Programs)

General observations: • No single organization works with migrants or on migrants’ rights or addresses irregular

migration, human trafficking and smuggling. • The most targeted groups are children and mothers in addition to the traditional farmers

and nomadic communities. • While a number of NGOs do exist, their coverage is limited, especially in towns and cities

in border areas. The coverage for the IGOs all localities with light and indirect presence in the bordering cities and towns.

Actors in SN State and their areas of intervention: Name of Organization

Main activities Targeted Group Coverage area

Sudanese Civil Protection

Disaster recovery, environmental awareness and capacity building

General population The seven localities

Public Charity Association

Widow and orphan care givers

Women, children and elderly

The seven localities

Anna Al Sudan Health awareness Women & children SENJA Locality Making Life Social development

Health care General population The seven localities

Women Union

Women empowerment and income generating activities

Women The seven localities

Peace Association Promotion of Peace culture

General population The seven localities

Abrar People with disability, ex-combatants and ex-prisoners

Disabled, ex-combatant and ex-prisoners

The seven localities

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General observations: • The civil society in SN state is less effective and less professional than its counterpart in the

BN state. • There is no work on enhancement of community resilience, environmental awareness or the

prevention of inter-communal conflict between farmers and pastoralists. • No single organization works with migrants or on migrants’ rights or addresses irregular

migration, human trafficking and smuggling. • 6.2 Priorities identified and activities implemented in each cluster What priorities does IGAD identify for each cluster? What activities might be implemented there?

The bilateral relations between Ethiopian & Sudan 6.2.1. There is a joint Ethiopia-Sudan committee that works at the three levels; the federal (presidential and ministerial), regional (all bordering states) and local level (state level). The joint committee has resulted in several protocols spanning social, economic, security and political spheres. However, the economic and social spheres are still confined to formalities with no concrete implementation from both sides.

Challenges to be addressed 6.2.2

There are a number of major challenges to cross-border stability that could be addressed through regional and international efforts. Firstly, the on-going conflict in the Southern Blue Nile coupled with sensitivity at the Ethiopian side regarding the Renaissance dam. The construction of the Renaissance Dam in Benishangul region renewed tensions between the upstream countries of Nile Valley (Egypt and Sudan) with the downstream countries of the Nile valley (Ethiopia, DRC, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi and Rwanda) over the amendment of Nile water agreement of 1959, which gave Egypt and Sudan the lion’s share of the Nile water. Currently, the major parties to this tension are Ethiopia and Egypt. While Egyptian media portrays the confrontation of the renaissance dam as an existential threat, Ethiopia portrays the Renaissance Dam as a national dream and national pride. This confrontation reached its peak in 2013, when some participants in a presidential meeting in Egypt suggested the bombardment of the Renaissance Dam. The location of Renaissance dam in Benishangul region combined with the on-going conflict in Southern Blue Nile has implications for regional security. Secondly, borders are not clearly demarcated in all areas, which results in frequent cross-border communal conflict, as explained earlier in the conflict dynamics in the two states. Thirdly, cross border migration is not regulated at the border. There is no presence of passport and migration police at the borders; the official presence is limited to customs police and National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) and Military Intelligence (MI). Fourthly, the absence of trans-border resource management mechanisms for water resources and pastures does not respond to the trans-border nature of socio-economic activities. The movement of pastoralists are not fully organized or regularized, and leads to localised conflict and insecurity.

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6.3 Recommendations and additional information What activities would you recommend be undertaken in these areas? What additional information may be needed to carry out the activities?

6.3.1. The restoration of border trade: • A direct constraint of the cross-border joint economic activities is the suspension of border

trade from the Sudanese side since 2009 (the border trade is still running to a lesser extent despite the suspension). This needs to be addressed as it undermines the potential of cross border trade to contribute to community stability at the border area – official sanction of these cross border activities would formalise cross border trade activities and undermine the black market.

• Support Sudan at the federal and state level to fulfil its commitments to realise the recommendations of the Ethiopian and Sudanese joint committees, in the rehabilitation of the roads and the paving of other roads that connect border points with the main urban centres and the capital of the state. These roads are necessary for the growth of border trade and even for securing stability of the bordering communities.

6.3.2. Strengthening existing mechanisms

Support the traditional administration to act as an early warning mechanism and effective intervener to settle inter-communal and cross border conflicts by strengthening existing mechanisms. • This is relevant as all programmes that span national borders are organized through

governmental authorities in collaboration with the Peace Council and traditional administration.

• The traditional administrations can play a greater role in advancing cross-border social interaction. They can be future interveners through traditional and customary mechanisms that have greater influence on the communities of the bordering areas than official or governmental authorities.

6.3.3. Enhance community security and resilience: • Based on the analysis of conflict dynamics in the studies areas, the development, monitoring

and regulating of pastoral routes in border areas are necessary conditions for the enhancement of community security (possible partners are the Department of Pastures and Fodder at the Ministry of Agriculture, local governance, traditional administration and Peace Council).

• Environmental degradation is a great threat to the availability and affordability of resources to the local communities. Steps should be taken to sensitise government and community to the threats of environmental degradation through awareness raising campaigns (e.g. in October 2016, AECOM organized a conference at the state level to address the threat of climate change). In addition, there needs to be a strengthening of the environment protection mechanisms. These efforts should be joined up on both sides of the border for maximum effectiveness.

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6.3.4. Enhancing cross border-cooperation to control irregular migration: • According to interviews with passport and migration police, there is a need to establish

border offices for passport and migration police at four entry bordering points, namely: Minz, Umdarfa, Kurmuk and Guissan. Since 2013, these four entry points were identified by the state passport and migration police and raised to the federal department. However, the lack of financial resources is the main obstacle.

• Capacity building of the passport and migration police is also required, especially relating to migrants’ rights, the identification of human trafficking and smuggling and national laws, as well as regional and international obligations of Sudan.

• The impact of establishing offices for the passport and migration police at these four entry points could directly enhance the regulation of migration, protection of migrants who may be at risk of exploitation, and positively affect the surrounding communities in terms of community security, water provision and the growth of the joint markets. A clear example to validate this assumption is the construction of water plants by customs police parallel to the establishment of MINZA custom point at the border.

6.3.5. Strengthening partnership between government and local authorities. Strengthening the partnership between government, civil society and the local communities as a necessary condition for the effectiveness of future interventions through: • Joint forums, workshops and conferences. • Establishing shared information banks that ensure equal access to information and quality

data. • Establishing a research and studies centre at the Ministry of Social Welfare to support

evidence-based interventions in future. According to the Minister of Social Welfare, the main problem with state interventions is the absence of evidence-based interventions as there is no research unit.