srra report: humanitarian and human rights situation in splm-n controlled areas

Humanitarian and human rights situation of the internally displaced persons (IDPs)

and war affected civilians in the SPLM/A-N controlled areas

of South Kordofan and Blue Nile states of Sudan

Fourth issue, six monthly report

January –June 2014

A market after a targeted aerial bombardment in the Nuba Mountains, April 2014

Introduction

The outbreak of the conflict between the Government of Sudan (GoS) and the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation

Movement/Army-North (SPLM/A-N) on 5 June 2011 in South Kordofan state and on 2 September 2011 in

the Blue Nile state marked the beginning of a new humanitarian and human rights tragedy in Sudan.

Deliberate military attacks against the civilian population, including indiscriminate aerial bombardment by

the Sudanese air force and ground attacks by the regular army (SAF) and government-sponsored militias,

have left over 1,1 million Sudanese citizens in the SPLM/A-held areas in a desperate humanitarian

situation and in need of immediate assistance. Of those, in the last three years of conflict, over half a

million have been internally displaced, living without food, medical supplies and shelter. Over 250,000

(160,000 from Blue Nile and around 90,000 from Southern Kordofan) have taken refuge in South Sudan

and Ethiopia, and additional unregistered refugees are in Kenya and Uganda.

Despite several independent reports of international organizations, including the United Nations, who

visited the war-affected areas both under SPLM/A-N and GoS/SAF control, the Government continues to

deny the gravity of the situation and to impede access to humanitarian agents.

Against this background the fourth Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Agency (SRRA) report covering the

period of January-June 2014, wants to shed lights on the humanitarian and human rights crisis unfolding in

Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states, in the SPLM/A-held areas. The analysis reveals a critical

deterioration of the situation on the ground and an increasing number of IDPs, around 100,000, escaping

the conflict zones and the 1,808 aerial bombardments that resulted in over 79 reported deaths, as part

of a massive offensive by SAF began in December 2013 that mostly targeted the civilian population. Two

hospitals and local NGOs compounds were also targeted by the bombs.

This upsurge in violence came as the GoS committed itself to a ‘national dialogue’ with opposition parties

(including armed movements) and held talks with the SPLM/A-N to end the conflict. After three years and

six rounds of talks under the auspices of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel on Sudan

(AUHIP), the SPLM/A-N and GoS have not been able to reach a negotiated settlement. The Government’s

refusal to accept the Framework Agreement signed by the Parties on 28 June 2011 in Addis Ababa as a

basis for negotiations undermined the possibility of finding a timely and effective political and security

settlement to the conflict. This intransigence has put the lives of millions of civilians at risk.

The SRRA asks the Parties to prioritize, in the next round of talks, an agreement on the humanitarian

access to alleviate the suffering of the population trapped in the conflict areas.

The SRRA was established in June 2011 as the humanitarian wing of the SPLM-N, to lead humanitarian

interventions in SPLM/A-N controlled areas in Sudan and to address the emerging humanitarian and

human rights situation. The objective of the agency is moreover to sensitize and stimulate the awareness of

the international community to the plight of the war affected IDPs and refugees and to mobilize resources

to support them. The central objective of SRRA is to ensure that the vulnerable citizens of Sudan receive

the humanitarian assistance they so badly need.

The SRRA collects regular and detailed information on the effect of the conflict on the population in the

Two Areas. Collecting data in a war zone is extremely difficult, but the SRRA teams on the ground,

including local NGOs who were trained and deployed throughout the SPLM/A-N controlled areas, are

working diligently to provide accurate data concerning the suffering that civilians are facing. At the same

time more training and better equipment are needed in order to produce regular, efficient and more

professional reports.

1. The security situation in the Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile States

a. The Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) ‘dry season offensive’

During the period of January-June 2014, hostilities and ground attacks by Government forces escalated in

Southern Kordofan (SKS), particularly in the localities of Rashad, Buram and Delami, and in the Kurmuk

area of Blue Nile State (BNS). The Sudanese government publically launched what it described as its

‘Decisive Summer’ military operation to ‘end all rebellion in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur’. That

was part of the SAF’s declared ‘dry season offensive’ associated with the formation of the Rapid Support

Forces (RSF), which was especially used in Southern Kordofan. These forces were better equipped,

centrally commanded and fully integrated into the state’s security apparatus, with legal immunity from

prosecution. The offensive has resulted in the wide spread destruction of villages and water points

provoking the displacement of more than 70,000 people in Rashad and 20,000 in Delami localities in

SKS. The trend of the military hostilities can be best highlighted as follows:

Military operations, including aerial bombardment of civilian targets, have involved two major

offensives by SAF on Toroje, Jau and Angolo (SKS) on 5 January and on Malkan (BNS) on 8 and

17 January 2014. Both offensives were repulsed by SPLM/A-N causing many casualties among

SAF forces and the loss of equipment. On the 1st of May SPLM/A-N forces in SKS shot down an

unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a pilotless spy plane, around Abri village and captured it. The

UAV was being used to map civilians’ positions and institutions, water sources and local

markets, to provide targets for Antonov planes or jet fighters.

On 14 May SPLM/A-N forces, fighting alongside forces of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF),

managed to destroy two GoS convoys moving to occupy Kao-Nyaro in Abujibeha locality and

Werni area in Talodi locality (SKS). In Kao-Nyarothe a SAF convoy (Wehdet Alhaq) equipped

with 3 tanks, 57 vehicles and 1,300 men, fled, leaving 65 bodies on the ground. The SPLM/A-N

captured 1 tank T-55 and 3 vehicles.

On 16 May, SPLM/A-N forces in Blue Nile State managed to destroy two convoys of GoS forces

and militias in two separate ambushes. The first was in Kamari area, 23 km South-west of the

capital Damazin, and the second one in Mosfa 20 km south. Heavy casualties were inflicted on the

enemy; the defeated forces fled towards Damazin and left 16 bodies behind them.

On 27 May 2014 SAF and the Rapid Support Forces attacked Daldako village in Kadugli locality

(SKS). The forces were beaten back and 3 tanks were destroyed by SPLM/A-N and 85 men left on

the ground. However, the SAF regrouped and re-captured the village in the afternoon.

b. Aerial bombardments

Since the onset of the ‘Decisive Summer’ operation, SAF has carried out sustained aerial

bombardments in and around Kauda, a major town in Heiban locality (SKS), as well as aerial

bombardments and shelling in Um Dorein and Delami, Rashad (SKS) and Kurmuk (BNS) localities. In these latest offensives, national human rights groups have documented the use of parachute-retarded

bombs launched from Sukhois jets at high altitudes, causing extensive damage in civilian areas. The

weapons used are indiscriminate in nature. On 26 May, an Antonov aircraft did several passes over Kauda

and dropped eight bombs, one of which hit and destroyed a local NGO office. Five people were reportedly

injured, and several offices were destroyed. On 1 May the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel (SKS) was

damaged after six bombs were dropped in the compound from a Sukhoi-24 fighter. It was the only tertiary

hospital in SPLM/A-N controlled areas of South Kordofan. An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV – drone)

apparently circled the hospital a few days before the attack, indicating that the attack was deliberate and

planned. On 16 June, another hospital, in Buram County, was hit by two bombs that destroyed the

emergency room, a dressing room, the pharmacy, and the hospital kitchen.

During five months, January-June 2014, SAF conducted 163 air strikes, dropping a total of more than

1,808 bombs in SKS and BNS. The attacks were carried out by high altitude Antonov planes, and Sokhoi

jet fighters (see tables 1 and 2 below). Bombing in the month of May has been particularly intense in South

Kordofan. Widespread indiscriminate aerial bombardment conducted by SAF, mainly using Antonov

flying at high altitude, has been a permanent feature of the conflict. At least 79 civilians are reported to

have been killed and 91 injured, mostly women and children. The bombing also damaged farms and

property, including schools, mosques and churches, as well as killing and injuring livestock. The

indiscriminate nature of the bombing continues to cause fear and trauma amongst the population,

preventing normal daily life such as cultivation or travel to water sources and health clinics.

The comparative monthly distributions of SAF aerial bombardments over the last year (July 2013 to June

2014) in South Kordofan and Blue Nile (figures 1 and 2 below) indicate a significant increase in attacks

during the key planting and harvesting seasons of May/June and November/January. The Sudanese

authorities are well aware of the seasons for planting and harvesting and the intensification of

bombardments reported in May, June and November, December and January, indicate that SAF is

intentionally attempting to disrupt these critical periods in the agricultural year. It is a deliberate strategy

designed to use of starvation as a weapon of warfare.

There have been reports of heavy shelling by SAF as well, including of predominantly civilian areas,

especially during ground attacks of Rashad, Abri, Troje (SKS) and Malkan (BNS) areas. Preliminary

reports show a high number of shells of nearly 1,335, which have killed and injured civilians and destroyed

houses, but final figures are yet to be produced.

The records below are likely to represent only a proportion of all bombings, deaths and injuries given the

difficulties in collecting comprehensive information in a large active conflict zone.

Aerial bombing of Toroje village in the Nuba Mountains, February 2014

Table 1: Aerial bombardment in Southern Kordofan January-June 2014

Date location Bombs Aircraft shells Killed Injured

1/1/2014 Kauda/heiban county 7 Antinov - -

1/1/2014 Abu-Eilla/Umdorein county 5 Antinov - -

9/1/2014 Toroje/Buram county 8 Antinov 1 4

14/1/2014 Tujor?Delami county 28 Antinov - -

15/1/2014 Heiban town/Heiban county 12 Antinov - -

16/1/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 12 Antinov - -

19/1/2014 Heiban town/Heiban county 8 Antinov 1 -

25/1/2014 Tindimin/Rasha county 3 Antinov - 5

25/1/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 48 Sophoi/Jet - -

7/2/2014 Sabat/Delami county 2 Antinov - -

7/2/2014 Tujur/Delami county 7 Antinov - -

7/2/2014 Urma/Delami county 14 Antinov - -

8/2/2014 Abri/Delami county 20 Antinov - -

9/2/2014 Heiban town/Heiban county 6 Antinov - -

10/2/2014 Aldar/Buram county 12 Antinov/Jet 1 2

13/2/2014 Burma town/Buram county 20 Antinov - -

14/2/2014 Karkaraya/umdorein county 12 Antinov/Jet 9 15

23/2/2014 Tarawa/Rashad county 8 Antinov 8 -

11/3/2014 Damba/kadugli 12 Jet - 3

12/3/2014 Alnugra/umdorein county 6 Jet 3 -

12/3/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 6 Jet 2 -

13/3/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 12 Jet - -

14/3/2014 Teis/Buram county 8 Antinov/Jet 3 3

17/3/2014 Tunguli/Delami county 6 Antinov/Jet 3 -

20/3/2014 Korongo/Kadugli county 8 Antinov/Jet - 3

15/4/2014 Buram town/Buram county 8 Antinov - -

16/4/2014 Damba/kadugli county 12 Jet - 3

18/4/2014 Alnugra/umdorein county 6 Jet 3 -

18/4/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 6 Jet 3 -

27/4/2014 Gidel/Heiban county 4 Jet 4 -

29/4/2014 Korongo/kadugli 8 Jet - 1


1/5/2014 Gidel/heiban county 6 Antinov - -


2/5/2014 Gidel/heiban county 8 Antinov - 1

3/5/2014 Tunguli/Delami county 8 Antinov - -


4/5/2014 Tunguli/delami county 7 Antinov 1 -

4/5/2014 Sabat/Delami county 48 Antinov/Jet 1 1

4/5/2014 Tabanya/Buram county 6 Antinov - -

5/5/2014 Tunguli/delami county 6 Antinov - -


5/5/2014 Abri/Delami county 35 Antinov/Jet - -

6/5/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 4 Antinov/Jet 3 -

7/5/2014 Sabat/Delami county 18 Antinov/Jet - -

8/5/2014 Ardkanan/Heiban county 4 Antinov - -

8/5/2014 Nyakma/Heiban county 7 Antinov - -

9/5/2014 Abri/Tunguli/delami county 17 Antinov - -

9/5/2014 Ardkanan/Heiban county 10 Antinov/Jet - -


11/5/2014 Abri/Sabat/Delami county 37 Antinov/Jet 1 -

12/5/2014 Tabanya/Buram county 2 Antinov - -

12/5/2014 Umsirdiba/Umdorein county 8 Antinov - 1

13/5/2014 Sabat/delami county 4 Antinov - -

15/5/2014 Korongo/kadugli county 2 Jet - -

15/5/2014 Miri/kadugli county 10 Antinov/Jet - -

15/5/2014 Tangal/Umdorein county 3 Antinoov - -

15/5/2014 Umdorein town/Umdorein county 36 Antinov/Jet 4 -

17/5/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 7 Antinov - -

17/5/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 8 Antinov - 1

18/5/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 35 Antinov - -

18/5/2014 Umdorein town/umdorein county 23 Antinov/Jet - -

18/5/2014 Umsirdiba/umdorein county 7 Antinov - -

19/5/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 37 Antinov/Jet - -

19/5/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 21 Antinov/Jet - -

19/5/2014 Abri/delami county 8 Antinov - -

19/5/2014 Tangal/umdorein 38 Antinov/Jet 3 2

21/5/2014 Umsirdiba/umdorein county 12 Antinov 1 1

21/5/2014 Albati/umdorein county 3 Antinov - -

27/5/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 8 Antinov - -

27/5/2014 Daldako/kadugli county 30 Antinov/Jet 7 15

28/5/2014 Kumo/Heiban county 6 Antinov - -

28/5/2014 Kauda/ Heiban county 18 Antinov/Jet - -

28/5/2014 Gidel/Heiban county 7 Antinov - -

29/5/2014 Kauda/Heiban county 25 Antinov/Jet - -

1/6/2014 Umsirdiba/Umdorein county - Artillery 77 1 3

3/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 3 Sukhoi - - -

3/6/2014 Alnugra/umdorein county - Artillery 43 - -

3/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 14 Sukhoi - - -

4/6/2014 Karkarya/Umdorein county - Artillery 117 - 2

6/6/2014 Tangal/Umdorein county 31 Two jets - - -

7/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county - Artillery 142 - -

7/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county - Artillery 7 - 1

7/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 4 Two jets - - -

8/6/2014 Umsirdiba/umdorein county 24 Antinov - - -

8/6/2014 Reika/Buram county 11 Antinov - - -


8/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county - Artillery 134 - 1

8/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 60 Antinov/jets - - -

9/6/2014 Nogorban/umdorein county - Artillery 120 - -

9/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 55 Antinov - - -

9/6/2014 Nogorban/umdorein county 48 Antinov - - -

9/6/2014 Nogorban/umdorein county 52 Antinov - - -



10/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county 24 Two jets - - -

10/6/2014 Buram/buram county 14 Antinov - - -

10/6/2014 Reika/buram county 5 Antinov - - -


11/6/2014 Albati/umdorein county 6 sukhoi - - -


11/6/2014 Tangal/umdorein county - A rtillery 168 1 2

12/6/2014 Hadra/delami county 12 Antinov - - -

13/6/2014 Umsirdiba/umdorein county - Artillery 45 - -


13/6/2014 Tangal /umdorein county 2 Antinov - - -

13/6/2014 Reika/buram county 2 Antinov - 1 -

13/6/2014 Umheitan/delami county 2 Antinov - - -


14/6/2014 Reika/buram county 4 Sukhoi - - -



15/6/2014 Kurchi/umdorein county 4 Antinov - - -


15/6/2014 Umsirdiba/umdorein county 12 Antinov - 2 3



15/6/2014 Alnugra/umdorein county 14 Antinov - - -

16/6/2014 Tawlu/umdorein county 13 Antinov - - -




16/6/2014 Frandalla/buram county 12 Antinov - - 3

16/6/2014 Agiri/umdorein county 8 Two jets

16/6/2014 Saraf jamous/umdorein county 5 Antinov - - -




17/6/2014 Abuleila/umdorein county - Artillery 3 - -




19/6/2014 Tabula/umdorein county - Artillery 25 - -


Totals 1,561 1,335 67 76

Source: SRRA tracking of aerial bombardment in South Kordofan January-June 2014

Figure 1: Comparative chart of aerial bombs per month in SKS in the period July 2013 – June 2014

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

Table 2: Aerial bombardment in Blue Nile January-June 2014

Date Location Bombs Aircraft Killed Injured

9/1/2014 Malkan/Bau county 12 Antinov - -

11/1/2014 Soda/kurmuk county 6 Antinov 4 5

11/1/2014 Samari/Kurmuk county 2 Antinov - -

11/1/2014 Marmaton/kurmuk county 6 Antinov - -

11/1/2014 Tunfona/kurmuk county 4 Antinov - -


26/1/2014 Maringa/kurmuk county 3 Antinov - -

26/1/2014 Soda/kurmuk county 2 Antinov - -

26/1/2014 Bei Hill/kurmuk county 2 Antinov - -

28/1/2014 Yabus/kurmuk county 3 Antinov 1 1

28/1/2014 Moguf Hill /kurmuk county 3 Antinov - -


11/2/2014 Soda/kurmuk county 6 Antinov 5 6


26/2/2014 Maringa/kurmuk county 3 Antinov - -

28/2/2014 Moguf/kurmuk county 3 Antinov - -

8/4/2014 Ora/kurmuk county 8 Antinov - -

8/4/2014 Jerdan/kurmuk county 8 Antinov - -

9/4/2014 Chali/kurmuk county 10 Antinov - -

24/4/2014 Aljundi/kurmuk county 2 Antinov - -

4/6/2014 Yabus/kurmuk county 34 Antinov - -

8/6/2014 Chali Alfil 24 Antinov - -

12/6/2014 Wadaka/kurmuk county 34 Antinov - -

17/6/2014 Amora/Gissan county 20 Antinov - -

20/6/2014 Kondolo/kurmuk county 4 Antinov 1 3

22/6/2014 Mayak/kurmuk county 6 Antinov - -

24/6/2014 Chali Alfil/kurmuk county 4 Antinov 1 -

27/6/2014 Wadaka/kurmuk county 2 Antinov - -

29/6/2014 Samary/kurmuk county 4 Antinov - -

Totals 247 12 15

Source: SRRA tracking of aerial bombing January-June 2014

Figure 2: Comparative chart of aerial bombs per month in Blue Nile in the period July 2013 - June 2014

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

Jul 013 Aug013

Sept013

Oct 013 Nov013

Dec013

Jan 014 Feb014

Apr014

Jun 014

2. Human rights violations

On 26 January 2014 GoS issued a new charter for dialogue with the political opposition. It listed four key

issues: peace, political parties, economic reform and Sudanese identity. Despite the commitment of the

Government to political dialogue, severe abuses of human rights and fundamental freedoms have

continued to be reported in the country during the period under review. These acts are in violation of

Sudan’s obligations under the regional and international human rights conventions it has signed and its

obligations under international humanitarian law.

The ongoing human rights violations include assaults on freedom of the press and freedom of association,

torture, unlawful arrest and detention of Government political opponents and pro-democracy activists.

Some of these detainees are held for prolonged periods without judicial purview and in violations of

existing Sudanese laws which set a specific period of time during which the security forces can detain

people. More than 119 of political dissidents from South Kordofan are still detained without trial in

different parts of Sudan. Some political detainees are held under harsh conditions in detention facilities

run by National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) and the Military Intelligence. The Governor of

South Kordofan recently issued an order of confiscation of properties of SPLM-N members in the state,

including land and vehicles.

On 13 March 2014, a Special Criminal Court in Sinja, Sennar State, issued death sentences against

seventeen members of the SPLM-N in absentia, including its Chairperson, Mr. Malik Agar, and the

Secretary General Mr. Yasir Arman. Forty-six other co-defendants were sentenced to life imprisonment

while thirty-one defendants were acquitted. These people were convicted for their political beliefs, accused

of staging war against the State and committing terrorist activities. The court proceedings are believed to

be flawed and did not meet the minimum standards for fair trial. Moreover, the SPLM-N leaders and cadres

were convicted under criminal law while engaging in political negotiations with the Government in order

to find a peaceful solution to the armed conflict in the country.

The head of the Umma party, Al Sadiq al Mahdi, was detained by security forces on 17 May 2014 for

speaking out against the unconstitutional formation of the Rapid Support Forces, which has been used to

fight the SPLM/A-N in South Kordofan. The head of the Sudan Congress party, Al-Nuhud, was also

arrested on 8 June 2014 for criticising the Rapid Support Forces.

On 18 June 2014, a group of Government soldiers – military and police – with more than 60 vehicles

(Land-Cruisers) surrounded Lagorey village in SKS after being defeated in Daldaku base. The troops

raided the village and inflicted physical and psychological abuses to its residents. While leaving they

arrested seven civilians who were taken to an unknown place (possibly tortured in houses controlled by

the military). The detainees include the village chief and some women, as follows:

1. Mr. Mustafa Basheir:Village chief, 55 years old

2. Mr. Mohammed Musa Maki:Trader and religious man, 42 years old

3. Mrs. Haleima Hassan Aleaiser:Household & farmer, 43 years old

4. Mrs. AmnaMadebuKortekeila:Household, 29 years old

5. Mrs. Kaka Hussein Tutu:Household & farmer, 43 years old

6. Mr. Abdallakhamees:Farmer, 24 years old

7. Mr. ZakariaMatar:Farmer, 50 years old

3. The humanitarian consequences of the conflict in the Two Areas

Three years after the outbreak of the war, civilian populations in SKS and BNS have been living in

desperate conditions, fleeing from the bombs and seeking refuge in foxholes and caves. They have limited

access to food and water, and no access to medical care. The months of May to August are key planting

periods for sorghum, millet and other staple crops grown. Internal displacement during the planting season

is hindering people’s ability to prepare and cultivate their fields, which in turn contributes to the already

acute food insecurity. Similarly, many farmers have been unable to plant their crops during this planting

season for fear of being bombed.

Since the start of the conflict, there are nearly one million people in conflict-affected areas of SKS and

around 100,000 in BNS. An estimated 400,000 civilians have been forced from their homes to other host

villages in SKS. In Blue Nile the estimated affected population is mostly internally displaced in their

resident areas except some residents in Yabus Payam of Kurmuk locality. The IDPs victim of the conflict

are moreover affected by chronic food insecurity, lack of effective medical facilities. Most schools

have closed due to the regular aerial bombing and ground attacks.

The sections below describe the warring movements of IDPs provoked by the recent surge of violence and

their critical humanitarian situation, in both Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

IDPs children in Kao-Nyaro-Abujubeiha locality, South East Nuba Mountains, February 2014

a. Massive displacements and food insecurity in Southern Kordofan

Almost one million citizens are affected by the conflict in South Kordofan, of which, after the recent surge

of violence, over 400,000 are IDPs (see their distribution in Table 3). The movements of the population in

the last six months in SKS followed the patterns described below:

On 4 January 2014, SAF troops attacked Suq-aljabel village of Abassiaya locality, displacing nearly

8,000 people.

On 5 and 6 January, SAF launched heavy attacks on the villages of Toroje and Dabakaya and

Angolo of Buram locality in SKS. The attack destroyed a number of villages and farms, displaced

175 households to Dar and Tabanya, killed 3 people and injured 5.

On 6 January, Timbera village of Hieban locality in SKS was also attacked but SAF forces were

repulsed. Nonetheless 40 households were displaced to Omdordo.

SAF offensive in Rashad locality on 16-20 April targeted mostly civilian villages, displacing over

70,000 from the villages and areas of Tomi, Tangaltu, Al-Mansur, Kaluba, Kalloro, Tarawa,

Tindimin, Tajilbo and Zalataya. In total, 52 villages have been burned leaving the population

without shelter and food. 37 boreholes and wells have been damaged in 13 villages (4 in Alfrasha, 3

in Aldeen, 2 inArdeiba, 4 in Aburish, 4, in Alnansour, 3 in Toma, 2 in Tarawa, 3 in Tendimin, 4 in

Zalataya, 3, in Almanzalla, 3 in Tagilbo and 2 in Almzlagan).

In the area of Abri (SKS) the security situation started to deteriorate towards the second week of

April due to intensive shelling by long range SAF artillery causing displacement of around 20,000

people from the villages of Abri, Deri, Temo and Merdeise. The SPLM/A-N managed to shot down

unmanned vehicle (UAV) spying plane without pilot and destroyed SAF convoy to Merdeis on 14

April. SAF finally assaulted and captured Abri village on 27 April 2014.

Adding significant numbers of new IDPs includes in May about 5,400 people (900 HHs) from

Daldoko East of Kadugli, another 840 people from Umshuran in Buram locality, and more than600

people from Miri payam in Kadugli West. Rapidly expanding military confrontations between SAF/

RSF and SPLA-N in Um-Dorein and Buram counties are adding significant numbers of new IDPs.

The already critical humanitarian situation was exasperated by the conflict in South Sudan blocking

access by land from Unity state to the Nuba Mountains, affecting the recent IDPs in Rashad and Delami

localities. The IDPs were forced to move to mountainous areas where there are no non-food items or

food to support their survival. The scarcity of water, which can be found in the valleys, increased their

vulnerability.

Nuba women and children living in caves

Table 3: Population and internally displaced persons (IDPS) in South Kordofan state

IDPs Total population Subtotal Payam/Admin Unit County/Locality S/N

64121

132000

21562

21446

32360

56632

Almandal

Alfarashaya

Sallara

Julud

Dilling 1-

44327

199000

32016

32370

54839

51055

28720

Alazreg

Heiban

Kauda

Umdurdu

Dabi

Heiban 2-

3452

32000

21859

8141

20000

Alshua

Alarak

Tima/Tulushi

lagawa 3-

35564

179000

56000

33000

25500

41500

23000

Umsirdiba

Umdulu

Umdorien

SarafJamous

Kaba

Umdorein 4-

48557

50000

9000

27000

4000

10000

Derre

Tunguli

Umheitan

Abri

Dellami 5-

7000

17000

13000

4000

HajarJuad

Kurgul

Habila 6-

15061

15061

5100

6061

3900

Betekel

Werni

Alliri

Talodi 7-

16458

16458

4840

6860

5758

Fungur

Kao

nyaro

Abujubeiha 8-

39800

51391

10000

14000

10100

12000

5291

Tome

Shamshaka

Tere

Hejeir

Tajilbo

Rashad 9-

30200

50631

13000

12300

15100

10231

Moreib

Almanagil

Tojona

Gardud albadri

Abassieya

(new tegali)

10-

51234

148000

8500

11400

21600

8500

19500

34500

37000

7000

Shat damam

Katcha

Farandalla

Shatt saffia

Alreika

Alburam

Toroje

Alabiet

Buram 11-

28268 59000 59000 Western kadugli Kadugli 12-

1200

3500

800

Alkiweik

Damik

Abu safifa

Eastern rural 13-

5000 8000 2500 Dandor

1000

1000

600

400

Alsonot

Aldabkar

Alsonot 14-

390,042 958,541 Total

Source: SRRA assessment of population in South Kordofan SPLM/A-N held areas.

Food security remains the major concern among all internally displaced households. Household Hunger

Scale (HHS) scores, which cover a reflection period of 30 days, show high levels of ‘moderate’ and

‘severe’ hunger in all SPLM/A-N held areas. The planting season is being disrupted by the ongoing

conflict and the limited access to land. As a result the already level of food insecurity is expected to rise

in the next dry season. The preparation of farms in some SPLM/A-N localities, such as Heiban,

Umdorein and Buram, has started with the beginning of the rainy season however cultivation is

constrained by a lack of seeds and by the ongoing insecurity. Farmers are clearing nearby farms instead

of distant farms for fear of ground attacks and aerial bombing.

In Western jebels, Dilling and Lagawa localities, insecurity and internal displacement was limited,

however these areas suffer from geographical isolation from the rest of SPLM/A-N held areas in the

Eastern jebels. They suffer from a general lack of access to medical supplies, education materials and

wide spread break down of water sources. They largely depend on cross line peace markets from the

northern areas, with comparatively high prices and constant risk of government crack-down on traders.

Access to health services is generally poor in the SPLM/A-N held areas of SKS, despite the fact that

health facilities are still functioning. There is however a shortage of medical supplies and health

personnel. The referral system is limited to two rural hospitals in Heiban locality. According to SPLM-

N Secretariat of Health, the statistics of health facilities and personnel in 13 localities are as follows:

Facilities: 3 hospitals, 42 primary health care centres (PHCCs) and 140 primary health care

units (PHCUs)

Personnel: 3 medical doctors, 19 MA (Medical assistants), 212 nurses, 29 lab technicians,

112MW (Midwife) and 534 C.H.W (community health workers)

Despite the fact that some community run schools are operating throughout SPLM/A-N held areas,

there is a severe lack of school materials, and trained teachers (see table 4 below). Because of the acute

insecurity schools have to move frequently and are mostly run under trees.

Table 4: School enrolment and teachers in the Nuba Mountains

S/

N

O

LOCALITY No.of

schools

BOYS’ GIRLS’ TOTAL Teachers

Male

Teachers

female

Total

teachers

1- HEIBAN 72 7’307 7’625 14’932 335 108 443

2- OMDORAIN 23 3’828 2’923 06’751 157 015 175

3- DALAMI 10 1’935 1’687 03’622 042 009 051

4- EL-BURAM 09 0’448 0’296 00’744 023 001 024

5- DILLING 43 4’581 2’859 07’440 222 011 233

6- LAGAWA 08 1’027 0’998 02’025 049 003 052

7- RASHAD 07 0’749 0’926 01’675 016 024 040

8- NEW TAGALI 07 0’838 0-981 01’819 014 022 036

9 WEST- KADUGLI -

10 HABIELA -

TOTAL 179 20,713 18,295 39,008 858 193 1,051

Source: SPLM-N Secretariat of education

b. Critical food insecurity and socio-economic disruption in Blue Nile

An estimated population of around 100,000 people remains inside Blue Nile SPLM/A-N areas and

almost all of them are internally displaced (tables below). The crisis in Blue Nile SPLM/A-N area, even

if number of comparative lower than SKS, is of major concern as the entire population has been

affected by the conflict thus the socio-economic development of the area has been disrupt, and that

will have long-term consequences on the population, especially from specific targeted tribes.

Massive population movement occurred during the months of January and February due to the ground

fighting in Malkan area. Around 10,000 from Tunfona, Marmaton, Tunja, Goz Arab, Goz Adam

Abdulati, Goz Kordalla and Goz Abu Rassin left their home villages because of heavy bombardments

and moved to Alfog, Khor Bashum and Guffa seeking protection. About 50 civilians from Maban

community crossed the border to Shorkile camp in Ethiopia.

Movements were also recorded from refugee camps in Maban county in South Sudan into Blue Nile,

due to lack of food and conflict with the host community. Most of them returned to their home village,

especially in Wadaka, Chali and Yabus payams, exacerbating the already critical humanitarian

situation. In particular refugees from Doro settled in Yabus Balla and Abengaro. Other from Ethiopian

refugee camps moved to Yabus Balla and Abegaro due to lack of food. In Yabus Gabah people manage

to dig gold to earn some income.

The significant challenge facing Blue Nile communities in the SPLM/A-N held areas is the

extreme shortage of food and seeds for cultivation. A recent assessment conducted by local

humanitarian actors reveals high levels of malnutrition and the socio-economic disruption of local

communities. People live on roots collected from forests, hiding in fox-holes daily when an Antinov

surveys the area, and are suffering from diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea and skin diseases. The

scarcity and the poor quality of the water is also a major cause of illnesses and deaths.

Humanitarian actors who visited the areas of Chali and Wadaka assessed that food security is the first

priority for the people in the area. It is expected that the number of hunger related deaths will increase

if no immediate humanitarian assistance is given to the people in the area.

There are some rudimentary health services with limited availability of medicines by local

organizations. There are a total of 8 clinics in the SPLM/A-N held areas of Blue Nile: 3 in Wadaka

payam in Tanfona, Samari and Mayak; 1 Chali payam in Soda and 4 clinics in Yabus payam in

Belatona,Muguf, Balla, Kobri, Oss and Benamo.

All primary and secondary schools are closed due to insecurity and lack of teachers. Recently five

community run schools in Yabus payam were open, supported by 16 volunteer teachers for around 900

pupils. However the schools lack trained teachers, school materials and good school environment.

There is a significant requirement for non-food items to support IDPs and returnees from refugee

camps. The weekly local markets supported by traders from Ethiopia provide basic commodities to the

communities but prices continue to increase due to the high cost of transport, road conditions and

insecurity.

Table 5: movement of IDPs to SPLM/A-N controlled areas of Blue Nile in April 2014

Date Tribe Place IDPs

come from

Place they moved

to

Total IDPs The reason for

movement

01/04/2014 Ingassana Doro Abengaro

/yabusGabah

boma

730

individuals

Lack of food and

conflict between

refugees and the

host Community

01/04/2014 Dawalla Tongo-

Ethiopian

refugee camp

YabusBalla 10

individuals

Lack of food in

Tongo

04/04/2014 Broun Mayak Doro Abengaro

/yabusGabah

boma

150

individuals

Lack of food and

conflict between

refugees and the

host Community

04/04/2014 Dawalla Doro Abengaro

/yabusGabah

boma

163

individuals

Lack of food and

conflict between

refugees and the

host Community

08/04/2014 Broun Surkum Doro Abengaro

/yabusGabah

boma

23

Individuals

Lack of food in

Doro and come to

dig gold locally in

Abengaro to get

some income for the

family

08/04/2014 Ragarig and

hamagroseries

Doro Abengaro

/yabusGabah

boma

24

Individuals

Lack of food in

Doro and come to

dig gold locally in

Abengaro to get

some income for the

family

09/04/2014 Barta Doro Abengaro

/yabusGabahboma

97

individuals

Lack of food in

Doro and come to

dig gold locally in

Abengaro to get

some income for the

family

10/04/2014 Oduc Bei Soda in cali Alfil

payam

50

individuals

Lack of food and air

bombardment

10/04/2014 oduc Panamayo Bush 79

Individuals

Air bombardment

13/04/2014 Oduc Doro BelatomaOduc 150

individuals

Lack of food and

conflict with the

host community

15/04/2014 Broun Mayak Kaya refugee

camp

Mayak 135

individuals

Lack of food and

conflict with Host

community

Table 6: Internally displaced population in Blue Nile

S/N County/Locality Payam/Admi

n/Unit

Subtotal Total

population

IDPs Vulnerable

population

1- Kurmuk Kurmuk

Wadaga

Tanfona

Chali

Yabus

4,234

16,723

9,719

9,309

29,100

69,085

51,469

60,000

2- Baw Baw

Room

Mountains

5,027

3,654

15,000

23,681

23,400

23,400

3- Tadamon Gozsamina 2,381 2,381 2,381 2,381

4- Others Qeissan,

Eastern

Rosaires

2,856

2,856

2,300

3,000

Total 98,003 79,550 88,781

Source: SRRA assessment of population in Blue Nile SPLM/A-N held Areas.

c. Expected worsening of the humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile

Without large-scale unrestricted humanitarian assistance or a cessation of hostilities it is likely that:

Further surges in aerial bombardment, shelling and ground offensives will result in a greater

number of civilian casualties and IDPs until the end of the dry season.

The conflict in South Sudan continues to interrupt routes from South Kordofan to South Sudan,

leading to a small number of new refugees and a large number of IDPs and conflict-affected

civilians trapped within South Kordofan without humanitarian assistance. Numbers of refugees

from Blue Nile continue to grow, but a large number of civilians remain in the state, in

particular the most vulnerable, without access to humanitarian assistance.

Food security deteriorates further as the small harvest of November-February 2014 is being

exhausted, particularly in Dilling, New Tegali and Rashad as well as Kao Nyaro and Werni in

the South East of SKS. Food insecurity results in increasing malnutrition-related deaths

amongst the most vulnerable (children under five years old and elderly) as well as households

using coping mechanisms which undermine long-term food security and livelihoods.

Conflict interrupts traditional cattle migration patterns, putting increasing pressure on pastoralist

livelihoods.

Increasing demand and lack of essential medical drugs results in large proportion of civilian

population in particular in more remote areas going without access to healthcare, including lack

of vaccination of children. This creates an increased risk of epidemics.

The increasing demand for education with the continuous targeting of schools, will result in a

growing gap of access to children to schools and increased school drop outs due to lack of

school materials, trained teachers and good school environment.

Lack of capacity to repair water points and increased population concentrations due to

displacement put growing pressure on the few water points available.

a. Expanding refugee crisis

The conflict in South Sudan since 15 December 2013 has brought terrible suffering to hundreds of

thousands of refugees in Upper Nile and Unity States, who fled to South Sudan to escape the war in

Sudan. Their plight is adding to the humanitarian emergency in South Sudan and requires immediate

attention. The conflict in South Sudan has also had an impact on civilians living north of the border in

SKS. The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has forced many people who had previously sought refuge in

Yida and Maban, to remain trapped inside Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. In addition, civilians who

previously went to major towns in Unity State and Upper Nile, South Sudan, to replenish with goods

before the start of the rainy season, were unable to do so this year, since these areas were the scene of

fighting between the Government of South Sudan and the insurgents.

According to the UNHCR statistics for Sudanese refugees in South Sudan and Ethiopia, there are now

almost 238,408 refugees from South Kordofan and Blue Nile in South Sudan and Ethiopia.

However, this figure is expected to increase because of the large number of people still on the move.

This is particularly the case in Blue Nile and unless humanitarian assistance can reach the conflict-

affected areas or there is a cessation of hostilities, the numbers will rise still further.

The ceasefire that has been reached between the parties is likely to reduce suffering of both refugees and

the displaced in South Sudan.

Southern Kordofan/Unity State/Upper Nile State

The total number of refugees from the Nuba Mountains in South Sudan is currently 90,784,

divided as follows: 76,999 in Yida, 9,300 in Ajoung Thok in Unity State, 1,800 in Kodok and 1,674 in

Lillo who moved to Fashoda (Kodok), Upper Nile State, because of the ongoing fighting.

In Yida refugee camp the security situation is normal, apart from the burning of 164 shops in the market

and 32 house on 18 March 2014. One man went missed from Yida camp on 13 March and was found

dead in the bushes between Yida and Panyang.

The humanitarian situation in Yida camp is extremely bad, due to the fact that Yida has not yet been

recognized as a refugee camp and recent coming refugees are denied ration cards. Around three

thousand refugees in the camp now have no access to food, plastic sheets for shelters. An alarming trend

emerged in both Yida and Ajoung Thok camps as UNHCR reported its inability to deliver essential

supplies. Over 200 households were reported to have returned to Buram locality from the camp.

More than 14,000 children in Yida have no access to the schools and about 16,000 children are

registered in the schools with very poor facilities.

In Upper Nile, especially in Lillo, the situation is very critical. 9 refugees were killed and 5 women

including a girl were abducted by rebels during the last recapture of Malakal. Over one hundred

refugees from Lillo had gone back to Werni, inside SKS. Another 1,575 have moved to Fashoda county

(Kodok) in Upper Nile, and they are in a desperate situation as lacking food and shelter. They are trying

to go back to Werni but have no means of transport. In Kodok the 1,800 refugees who were taken care

by ICRC and other church related NGOS, have been left without assistance as a result of the conflict in

the Upper Nile. Only 100 bags of sorghum were given to them by the national church agency in March.

In Kao Nyaro and Werni there are no food and no medical supplies.

Blue Nile/Upper Nile State

In contrast to South Kordofan, civilians continue to flee the fighting in Blue Nile in significant numbers.

The UN estimates that there are now almost 39,477 refugees from Blue Nile in Ethiopia, 11,211 in

Sherkole camp, 10,497 in Tongo, 13,311 in Bambasi and 2,757 in Ad-Damazin. A total of 121,940

refugees are in Maban county in South Sudan: 18,613 in Kaya camp, 38,984 in Yusuf Batil camp,

17,192 in Gendrassa camp and 47,157 in Doro camp.

The security situation in Maban county of Upper Nile State seriously deteriorated towards the end of

February 2014. People from Maban attacked Yosif Batil refugee camp and the two communities, hosts

and refugees, engaged in a bloody armed confrontation inside the camp. More than one person was

reportedly killed, while dozens of injured and 35,000 of refugees fled the camp to seek protection in the

neighbouring forests. Recently the relationship between the refugees and the host community has

improved.

Due to insecurity in South Sudan, supplies of food for the refugees in Upper Nile state have severely

reduced. On 3 May 2014 WFP started air dropping food, but the amount is insufficient for the 120,000

refugees. Air operations are extremely expensive and without security of the road in Upper Nile State

and access to markets, the distribution of food is unlikely to improve.

The humanitarian situation in the refugee camps of Batil, Kaya, Doro and Gendrassa continues to

worsen, alongside that of the IDPs inside Blue Nile. Education in the camps is extremely poor due to a

shortage of curricula, school materials and trained teachers. The statistics of schools in the refugee

camps is as follows:

6 primary schools up to grade 5 in Yousif Batil – English stream

4 primary schools up to grade 4 in Kaya – English stream

5 primary schools up to grade 5 in Gendrassa English stream

5 primary schools up to grade 8 with unclear curriculum in Doro Arabic and English streams

The most serious humanitarian issue is the voluntary return of up to 2,000 refugees from Doro

refugee camp to Yabus payam, due to the very limited food ration (5 days) provided for the month by

UNHCR in the camp. Refugees moved back despite the large insecurity, lack of seeds, schooling and

medical supplies. The tense relations with the host community over allegations of theft and the felling of

trees in the camps, was also a crucial factor.

4. The political negotiations between GOS and SPLM/A-N

Efforts by the international community (and the UN Security Council and the African Union Peace and

Security Council in particular) to convince the Government of Sudan and the SPLM-N to reach an

agreement, which inter alia would allow for independent and impartial humanitarian access to SPLA-N

controlled areas have been ineffective. Despite several rounds of negotiations between the two parties,

further agreement on the modalities of humanitarian assistance between the Government of Sudan and

the SPLM-N has not been reached. Several rounds of negotiations took place in February, March and

April of this year under the auspices of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP)

but were met with several obstacles. In particular, the SPLM-N has insisted on using a comprehensive

approach and address the root causes of the conflict, while the Government of Sudan has wanted to limit

the scope of the negotiations to the “Two Areas” –Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

On 23 January 2014 the AUHIP extended an invitation to GoS and SPLM/A-N for direct talks on 5

February 2014, accompanied with a proposal of a declaration of common intent proposing the

following:

Cessation of Hostilities: the parties shall cease hostilities within seven days to facilitate the immediate,

unhindered and safe delivery and movement of humanitarian assistance to displaced persons and other

affected persons throughout Blue Nile and South Kordofan states. A military liaison unit is to be

established to monitor the ceasefire, a humanitarian coordination and a support unit for the planning,

coordination and monitoring of delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Formation of negotiation committees: the chief negotiator shall establish two committees: a security

negotiations' committee to negotiate a permanent ceasefire and comprehensive security arrangements

and a political negotiations committee to address all relevant issues related to South Kordofan and Blue

Nile including those requiring attention to national constitutional questions.

The talks between the Parties resumed on the period of 14-18 February and were extended up to the

period of 27 February-3 March 2014. In the two rounds the AUHIP presented the parties with a draft

proposal; while GoS responded in writing, the SPLM/A-N presented a separate proposal containing

humanitarian, political and security issues to be discussed. The main point of disagreement was the lack

of acceptance from the GoS side of the 28 June 2011 Framework agreement as a basis for the talks,

despite the endorsement of the UNSC resolution 2046. After a deadlock between the Parties, on 2 March

2014 the Panel adjourned the negotiations.

The chair of AUHIP referred the matter to the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC). On on 10

March 2014 the AUHIP decided that the SPLM-N should respond in accordance with the request made

by the AUHIP and that the two Parties should continue the bilateral consultations to reach a better

understanding and an agreement by 30 April 2014, with assistance from the AUHIP. The deadline

created high expectations that the 6th

round of talks might bring about an agreement between the two

Parties.

The round of talks was called late, for the period of 22-30 April, in compliance with the AUSPC

deadline. The SPLM/A-N submitted its response to a previous proposal as requested, but the positions

of the Parties continued to differ. The talks started with separate consultations with the heads of the

delegations, Mr Arman (SPLM/A-N) and Mr Gandour (GoS), without making substantive progress.

Thanks to the mediation of Thabo Mbeki, the Parties agreed to form the four committees, namely

humanitarian, political, security and national constitutional dialogue. While GoS was keen to start the

work of the committees, the SPLM/A-N felt that the committees could not be formed in the absence of

an agreed framework. The SPLM/A-N offered a paper on procedural matters to develop such a

framework, but it was rejected by GoS. Finally the Parties agreed to adopt the draft framework

agreement of 18 February 2014 presented by AUHIP. The final decision of GoS to accept the 28 June

2011 Framework agreement allowed the Parties to draft the ToRs for the political and security

committees, but not for the humanitarian and national constitutional dialogue committees. The meeting

was adjourned on 30 April 2014. Both Parties agree to meet again soon.

The SPLM/A-N extended a request to the AUHIP Chairman to visit both sides of the conflict in

Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur to meet community leaders, internally displaced persons and

refugees to hear their concerns and aspirations. It would allow him an opportunity to assess the situation

first-hand, including the impact of the conflict on civilians and the absence of humanitarian access to

SPLA-N controlled areas. During the visit of the AUHIP chair to Khartoum on May 2014, the planned

visit was not confirmed and it is likely that the Sudan government has turned down the request for

President Mbeki to visit South Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur.

5. Appeal to the international community

The human rights and humanitarian crisis in Southern Kordofan/Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile States

require immediate attention and an immediate response: there are clear national and international legal

obligations to act. The SRRA appeals to the UN Security Council, the UN Secretary General, the

Chairman of IGAD, the chair of the AUHIP, the AU and the international community at large to:

1. Declare the situation in the Two Areas a humanitarian emergency requiring the urgent

response from all actors,

2. Demand that SAF immediately halts its indiscriminate aerial bombardment and air strikes

against civilian targets in Southern Kordodan and Blue Nile states,

3. Ensure that the humanitarian situation in Nuba Mountains/South Kordofan and Blue Nile

is the priority agenda item for the upcoming direct talks between GoS and the SPLM-N, to

be considered before any political and security arrangements,

4. Require GoS to lift restrictions on the delivery of food and other humanitarian items, and

to permit UN agencies and independent international organizations immediate free and

unhindered access to the needy civilians, to stave off mass starvation,

5. Press GoS to agree a cessation of hostilities – with regional and international monitoring

mechanisms – to allow the delivery of humanitarian assistance and polio vaccination to the

populations and children in the war zones,

6. Deploy an appropriate international and/or regional mechanism to take care of the

humanitarian situation of Sudanese’s refugees in the Republic of South Sudan without

hindering the safety and confidence of the needy refugees,

7. Urge both parties to protect civilians under their respective control and provide safe

corridors for the passage of civilians and humanitarian goods,

8. Consider the most effective means, including airdrops, to access civilians trapped by

ground attacks and lack of roads,

9. Urge that relevant national and international authorities conduct independent investigations

into allegations of summary executions, detentions and torture inflicted on the basis of the

ethnic and political affiliations of individuals in the Two Areas.

srra report: humanitarian and human rights situation in splm-n controlled areas

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