Focus on Conflict in Gambella region

May 7 , 2007 (GAMBELLA) - During March and April, Gambella Region witnessed intensified cross border incursions from the Sudanese Murle causing mortalities, casualties and widespread displacement. In addition, the DPPA led verification assessment mission in six woredas proposed that a total of 30,000 people that were affected by security incidents and flooding require emergency assistance.

In March, the Sudanese Murle attacked Belmikun, Lare woreda resulting in the death of seven Nuer pastoralists, 13 injuries and over 3000 raided cattle. All inhabitants of Belmikun village as well as those from six neighbouring villages were displaced due to fear of further attacks. Most are scattered throughout the woreda, while some have fled to Sudan. Cropped fields of sorghum and maize along the Baro River were completely destroyed. Approximately, 1,600 plastic sheets have been allocated by the Regional Disaster Prevention and Preparedness Food Security Bureau (RDPPFSB) for those displaced in Lare woreda, although distribution has not yet taken place. ICRC has given non-food support in the form of plastic sheeting to 230 of the most vulnerable households in Belmikun.

In addition to Murle incursions in Lare, in early April attacks were reported in Jor woreda. In the village of Angyila over 26 deaths, numerous injuries and widespread displacement occurred. Reports from ZOA Refugee Care indicate that those displaced have fled without any belongings as their huts and possessions were destroyed by fire in the conflict. Over ten local food stores and farmland were also devastated and over 100 cattle were raided severely impacting on livelihoods. The displaced, predominantly the elderly, women and children, were forced to flee to Chentua, the capital of Jor woreda.

In response, the RDPPFSB has distributed 300 plastic sheets, 300 quintals of maize, 50 quintals of Corn Soya Blend (CSB) and 720 mosquito nets for 177 households displaced. Other sources estimate much higher displacement figures indicating that there is a greater need. Unmet needs that have been identified include such non-food items as blankets.

The regional government has organized transportation of displaced Nuer that were seeking temporary shelter in Itang and Lare woredas back to their places of origin in Akobo woreda. Latent tensions between the Nuer and Anuak have also been reported.

In response to a request for assistance by the region, a DPPA-led verification assessment team visited six woredas (Lare, Jikawo, Gog, Jor, Dimma, and Abobo) and reported that security and flooding were the two major problems in the area. The team recommended for immediate peace building activity and protection of civilians as well as urgent provision of emergency assistance including food and non-food items mainly seeds for approximately 30,000 people.

The repatriation of Sudanese refugees continued in March and April with 14,064 refugees successfully returned to Sudan from Bonga, Dimma and Fugnido camps.

Furthermore, there are continued fears that AWD could reemerge in the region with the forthcoming rains. So far, no new cases have been reported and preventative efforts are ongoing. WHO has allocated funds to train 70 health workers in the region. The Water and Sanitation taskforce continues to meet regularly on a monthly basis.