This is the text version of the bulletin. To download the illustrated version, please click on the link at the bottom of this page
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1. HIGHLIGHTS   
2. SECURITY/ACCESS   
3. LOGISTICS GENERAL
4. COMMON NFI PIPELINE   
5. SURFACE TRANSPORT   
6. AIR OPERATIONS
7. FUEL PRICES   
8. SOUTH, EAST AND TRANSITIONAL AREAS
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1. HIGHLIGHTS

Increased insecurity throughout Darfur further decreases the ability to move relief items to vulnerable populations.  The UN declared Phase IV security level for much of West Darfur.

NFI Gaps and Common Appeal: As of January 2006, the non-food item (NFI) situation in Darfur is urgent. The current stock of blankets, plastic sheeting, women's clothing, and jerry cans will all be depleted in the next two months.  UNJLC, UNICEF, and CARE have released the 2006 Common Appeal for the NFI Common Pipeline.  Through the NFI Common Pipeline, UNJLC, UNICEF, and CARE will improve the living conditions of 280,000 internally displaced and vulnerable households through the timely provision of shelter and relief items for USD $23,992,918. 

NFI Transport:  The CARE Surface Transport service and UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) NFI flights did not operate in January due to a lack of funds. 

2. SECURITY/ACCESS

Increased Insecurity: In January, the security situation continued to worsen throughout Darfur, greatly limiting relief operations beyond the Darfur capitals.  In addition, attacks on convoys and African Union (AU) peacekeepers forced the humanitarian community to temporarily cease operations in some locations. 

Impact on the NFI Sector:  In the planning for 2006 emergency stocks, a figure of 240,000 beneficiaries for NFIs due to new displacement or natural disasters was used.  However, if current trends continue, new displacement in 2006 will far exceed these planning figures.  Already, 60,000 newly displaced people in the Mershing/Menawashi area are in need of NFIs.  If the current pace of displacement continues, emergency response stocks will quickly be depleted making it difficult to service anticipated needs and shall necessitate the re-allocation of stocks intended for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in camps to these newly displaced IDPs; thus, creating an overall NFI shortfall in the Darfurs.

North Darfur
Limited Relief Operations:  In January, insecurity and local regulations limited relief operations outside El Fasher.  Bandit activity on humanitarian and commercial vehicles continued, particularly on the roads from El Fasher to Nyala and El Fasher to Kebkabiyah.  The local authorities were recommending government escorts for organizations (including commercial transporters) that travel from El Fasher through Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) areas.  The UN and NGOs have declined this recommendation.  On January 23, a GOS police unit escorting 80 commercial trucks from El Fasher proceeding east to Kebkabiyah was ambushed by SLA fighters while negotiating the main road at Kaowra. Twenty police officers were killed in the ambush.

In addition, delays in the issuing of travel permits in North Darfur temporarily slowed down the pace of logistical operations.  This situation has since been resolved amicably by allowing movement and access to the operational areas. (Source: UNJLC)

Access to JEM Territory: There are reports that the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in North Darfur has requested that agencies flying airplanes or helicopters advise them before entering JEM territory. (Source: UNJLC)

West Darfur
Phase IV declared in West Darfur:  On January 5, the UN declared Phase IV security level for parts of West Darfur.  The parts of West Darfur which are affected are: the northern area of west Darfur, from the border of north and west Darfur, south of Tina, south along the border to include El-Geneina and extending east to Sanidadi, with the Saraf-Omra road being the southern boundary; additionally the south-west corridor running from El-Geneina and through to Masteri, Kongo Harasa, Beida, and Ararah.  
 
Essential life-saving humanitarian services delivered by the United Nations will continue. These will include the provision of emergency food and health services, as well as the provision of water and shelter.  All roads out of Geneina remain "no go" for UN traffic.  Distribution of NFIs in West Darfur has drastically decreased due to the inability to access beneficiaries with increased insecurity. 

South Darfur
Evacuations:  On January 25, a helicopter crashed during the evacuation of humanitarian staff from Daya in Jebel Marra.  One NGO staff member died in the crash.  On January 26, seven UN staff members were evacuated from Sharia to Nyala after fighting erupted between SLA and GOS forces in the Sharia area.   The recent evacuations have slowed relief operations in the two areas. 

East Sudan
Hamesh Koreib: Humanitarian agencies have not been able to enter Hamesh Koreib since the events of January 11.  (Source: OCHA)

South Sudan
Sector 1: Following a review of the security situation, on January 7, the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) reduced Yambio (Western Equatoria) to Security Level 2 (from Security level 3) and Ezo to Security Level 2 (from Security level 4). On January 12, UNDSS reduced Tambora to Security Level 2 from Security level 3.   These reductions should improve logistical access and cargo movement by road to these areas. 

Sector 2:  In Sector 2, UNDSS has reduced the security levels of Baar (Northern BEGF) and Marial Lou (Warrab) to Security Level 2. Liethnom and Ajiep in Warab have been raised to Security Level 4 on January 27.  Alek was raised to Security Level 4 on January 28.  Logistics operations have limited access at Security Level 4.  A travel advisory issued by UNMAS states that travel by road outside of Wau is prohibited due to mine threat. In addition, UN staff are advised not to drive in Rumbek town after dark.

Sector 3:
UNDSS raised Bor to Security Level 3 from current Security Level 2 in view of an incident reported on January 5 in which three SPLA and one SAF soldier were killed.  Pieri has been raised to Security Level 4 following reports of a clash in the area. 

As a result of attacks/harassment of NGO and commercial vehicles on major supply routes around Bentiu, UNDSS has recommended the temporary suspension of all humanitarian traffic on the road between Robkona and Leer until an in-depth investigation is conducted.  (Source: WFP)

Sector 4: Due to reported Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) activity, the following area has been placed at UN Security Phase IV, greatly reducing logistical access: North of the Sudanese/Ugandan Border between Rasolo and Lotukei, West of the Road Kimatong-Chukudum-Lotukei [but exclusive] and South of the line Kimatong-Lafon-Gondokoro-Rejef-Bungu-Tore Wandi -Rasolo. Within this area, major urban locations remain at Level 2 and all routes with the exception of the Yei -Airport Road remain at Level 3.    Routes to the east and south of Maridi and Yambio in Western Equatoria astride the border are at Level 3 and became subject to the same travel restrictions as the Phase IV area. 

3. LOGISTICS GENERAL

Light Vehicle Convoy to the Darfurs:  UNJLC hopes to facilitate another convoy (subject to demand) to El Fasher in February 2006 and possibly to El Geneina and Nyala depending on the security situation.  Interested organizations should submit a form with details about convoy needs to UNJLC. 

Airport Fees:  NGOs have reported a new fee at the Khartoum airport.  NGOs are reportedly being asked to pay an entry fee of 15,000 SD each time their trucks enter the airport perimeter to deliver cargo.  UNJLC and UNHAS are monitoring this issue. 

UNJLC Field Logistics Officers:  Nicolas Daher is the logistics officer in Nyala - Nicolas.Daher@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912160410, VHF call sign NL1.  Alister Shields is the logistics officer in Geneina - Alister.Shields@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912391044, VHF call sign GL3.2.  Sedick Toffa is the logistics officer in El Fasher - Sedick.Toffa@wfp.org, +249 (0) 912160884, VHF call sign FL 3.1.

4. COMMON NFI PIPELINE

2006 NFI CP Common Appeal: UNJLC, UNICEF, and CARE have finalized the 2006 Common Appeal for the NFI Common Pipeline.   Through the NFI Common Pipeline, UNJLC, UNICEF, and CARE will improve the living conditions of 280,000 IDP and vulnerable households through the timely provision of shelter and relief items for USD $23,992,918. 
Gaps in the NFI Pipeline: As of January 2006, the NFI situation in Darfur is urgent. The current stock of blankets, plastic sheeting, women's clothing, and jerry cans will all be depleted in the next two months.  Furthermore, considering that IDPs themselves have reported that blankets and plastic sheeting are the most essential items (see UNJLC Bulletin #71), the predicted pipeline breaks of two months and three months respectively for these items (if procurement begins in January) and the need to preposition items prior to the rainy season warrants immediate action in the form of financial or in-kind support.  Due to the importance of supplying NFIs to the Darfurs, agencies are urged to inform UNJLC on their agency's procurement of NFIs and distribution plans. This information shall assist with the overall NFI CP pipeline management.

Non-Food Items: On January 23, UNJLC in conjunction with the UN World Food Program (WFP) distributed NFI and food to 839 displaced households in the Waada area.  The IDPs were reported to have fled from villages in South Darfur following fighting earlier in 2005.  

Winter Distributions: UNJLC continues to urge NGOs to prioritize the distribution of blankets and plastic sleeping mats due to the current cold weather. 

Database:  UNJLC has developed a new database, to track distribution of Common Pipeline NFIs.  The database also includes tracking of population figures with information from NFI pipeline implementing partners. 

For an overview of the NFI Common Pipeline Stocks as of January 29, 2006, download the attachment at the bottom of this page
 
CARE Warehouse in Geneina: Due to insecurity in Geneina, CARE has substantially decreased staff at the Geneina warehouse.  On January 18, the CARE warehouse in Geneina was broken into and some supplies were stolen.  CARE conducted a security assessment and determined to continue operations for the time being.
Dispatch of Commodities: In January, common pipeline commodities were dispatched to the following agencies operating in South Darfur and parts of West Darfur: World Vision, GOAL, SUDO, OXFAM, NRC ACF, RAYAHIN, Great Family, Samaritans' Purse and IRC.  The commodities were 46,496 blankets, 154,350 pieces of soap, 11,925 plastic sleeping mats, 4,221 buckets and 2,336 pieces of women clothes. The commodities were distributed to the following locations Jugma, Kass, Golo, Bileli, Tiwal, Dereig, Kalma, Katila and Caliyate.

5. SURFACE TRANSPORT

UNJLC/CARE Surface Transport:  The UNJLC/CARE Surface Transport service did not operate in January due to a lack of funds.  Pending receipt of funding, CARE plans to begin transporting two truckloads per week to each Darfur State Capital sometime in February. However, the recommencement and frequency of service is dependent on funding received.  NGOs have requested that the service be continued.  Cost-recovery options are being considered should the need arise.  In 2005, the common transport service facilitated the free transportation of program support cargo for 57 NGOs and agencies. 

6. AIR OPS

NFI Flights: There were no UNHAS NFI flights in January 2006.  Resumption of NFI flights from February 2006 is uncertain and subject to funding. However, the UNHAS small cargo service (25 kg/package up to 100 kg total) is still available.  Interested organizations should contact UNHAS directly by calling Dominic Waldron on 0912167520.  These flights are to North and South Sudan.

UNHAS Fleet: UNHAS is decreasing the size of the fleet operating out of Khartoum.  The total current UNHAS fleet consists of: 
Khartoum: Two Dash-8s, Two B-1900s
El Obeid: One C208, Two IL-76s, One AN-12
Nyala: One C208, One M18 Helicopter
El Fasher: One M18 Helicopter
Geneina: One M18 Helicopter
Wau: One C208
Juba: One C208

Airport Closures: The Khartoum airport was closed for international and domestic cargo flights January 20-25 and all WFP/UNHAS passenger flights to and from Khartoum were suspended January 24 and 25 due to the African Union Summit.

UNHAS NFI Flights to Darfur in 2005:  In 2005, UNHAS flew 122 UNJLC-prioritized NFI flights, delivering 1,164.65 MT to Darfur.  In June and July, 2005 there were no UNHAS NFI flights due to fuel and funding shortages.

For tables regarding tonnage of NFI Cargo Moved, please download the attachement at the bottom of this page

7. FUEL PRICES
Diesel Price Trends in Southern Sudan (SD per L)
Download the attachement for Northers Sudan Fuel Price trends at the bottom of this page.

8. SOUTH, EAST AND TRANSITIONAL AREAS

UNJLC Documents:  UNJLC has completed Snapshots of Commercial and UN air services into South Sudan.  The snapshots are available at ->snapshots.  

Air Services: The UNJLC office in Juba reports that the number of airlines serving the south is growing rapidly, and now there are direct connections from Juba to Nairobi.  Rumbek Airstrip has been completed and handed over to the local authorities. 

Customs: In order to begin the process of reform and modernization of the customs system in South Sudan, Crown Agents is deploying two experts to undertake the initial diagnostic review.  These experts will produce a report detailing the key issues that need to be addressed and recommendations.  The experts will base their report on discussions with senior customs staff, Ministry of Finance, and other key stakeholders as well as first-hand site inspections.  (Source: UNJLC)

Logistics/Security Assessment: WFP conducted a four-day joint logistics/security mission in Kurmuk, Yabus and Challi, Blue Nile in order to plan for the establishment of an office and warehouses. The office and the warehouses will allow prepositioning and distribution of food commodities before the onset of the rainy season in April. The mission assessed land in Kurmuk and discussions were held with a potential partner. (Source: WFP)

Energy Strategy: During a meeting with the Government of South Sudan (GOSS) Minister of Energy, Industry and Mining, the minister advised UNJLC that the GoSS welcomed advice and input on possible energy strategies.  UNJLC arranged for an introduction to MOCOH Energy International to discuss the issue.  

Demining:  In January, UN Mine Action Office (UNMAO) de-mining teams continued to conduct rapid route verification clearance, as follows: Tong - Wau - Gogrial to Abyei; Wau to Aweil; Yei-Juba-Rokon-Jambo-Mundri; and Talwadi-Kadugli.  All efforts are being made to finalize route-opening prior to the start of the rainy session in April/May.  UNMAO has completed the demining of the Kadugli to Talodi Road.  (Source: UNMAO).

A joint UNMAO/SPLM team has identified nine minefields and three UXO areas in villages south of Abyei: Gung Per, Lopong, Mading Acweng, Awol Nhom, Mabok, Cholawed, Nhol, Niinadholic and Hooch.  (Source: UNMAO)