EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SOUTH SUDAN AND SUDAN DIOCESE OF KAJO-KEJI KAJO-KEJI DEVELOPMENT AND REHABILITATION AGENCY (KADRA) A situation Report on the humanitarian and refugee crisis following the January Kajo-keji county conflict Prepared by: Rev. Elly Kajaminyo Prepared for: Diocese of Kajo-keji Friends and Partners Date Submitted: 24 th /03/ 2017
MARCH 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND... 4 2. ACTIONS TAKEN... 5 i. Provision of shelter, water and firewood for IDPs... 5 ii. Family visits... 5 iii. Condemnation of war activities and appeal for peace... 5 iv. Security meetings with the commissioner and army... 6 v. Assessment visits... 6 vi. Establishment of a coordination office and staff residential space in Moyo district.... 7 vii. Relocation of diocesan office equipment and property to Moyo district.... 8 viii. Bishop s visits to refugee camps in Moyo and Yumbe districts... 8 ix. Visit to the IDP camps of Ajiyo, Kerwa and Logo... 9 3. KEY FINDINGS... 11 i. Through meetings with the local government, LWF and OPM... 11 ii. Through IDP and refugee camp visits... 12 4. DIOCESAN AREAS OF FOCUS / STRATEGY... 15 i. Peace building and Reconciliation... 15 ii. Emergency assistance... 16 iii. Children, women and youth empowerment... 18 iv. Formation of partnerships... 19 v. Funding... 19 3. CONCLUSION... 20 Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 2
ABBREVIATIONS SPLM/IO UN UNHCR IDPs KADRA NGO LWF OPM MDD CCMP FAL CVT Sudan People s Liberation Movement / In Opposition United Nations United Nations High Commission for Refugees Internally Displaced Persons Kajo-keji Development and Rehabilitation Agency Non-Government Organisations Lutheran World Federation Office of the Prime Minister Music, Dance and Drama Church and Community Mobilisation Process Functional Adult Literacy Community Vocational Training LC5 Local Council 5 Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 3
1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND The political situation in many parts of South Sudan has drastically deteriorated since the 2016 Juba conflict. Although the greater Kajokeji region experienced relative political stability and calm for the rest of 2016, the situation suddenly took a turn for the worst between January 22 nd and February 1 st following clashes between the government soldiers and the SPLM/IO on January 22 nd and 25 th in the Mondikolok and Mere Bomas of Kajo-keji County. These two incidences which resulted to the killing of eight civilians in cold blood, two soldiers and one policeman; the burning of houses and looting of property, created unimaginable fear and panic, resulting to the fleeing of civilians in the five days that followed.the entire greater Kajo-keji region now faces severe humanitarian crisis with at least 97% of the population; 70% of whom are women and children fleeing their homes and villages for dear life. At the beginning of the crisis, the church provided shelter for at least 50% of the population, most of whom eventually fled to refugee camps in the Moyo and Adjumani districts of Uganda as the conflict escalated. Only about 3% have now remained in the villages or fled to Internally Displaced People s camps such as Ajiyo, Kerwa and Logo, where they face severe hunger, water shortage, disease, post conflict trauma, and many more. In the refugee camps of Moyo district such as Morobi and Belameling where most of our people have settled, the humanitarian crisis is even worse. Just like in the IDPs, severe hunger, water shortage, lack of shelter, poor or no health care, poor or no educational facilities have been cited; as well as high levels of tribal animosity and psycho social stress. Most recent reports state that over 200,000 refugees mostly from Kajokeji County have settled in the refugee camps of Moyo district, and an even bigger number South Sudanese refugees have settled in refugee camps of Arua, Adjumani and Yumbe districts. With the continued conflict in South Sudan, refugees continue to flock into Uganda, a country that has been internationally recognised for their excellent role in refugee management. Travels to and from Kajo-keji remain very unsafe as the SPLM/IO rebel group now heavily occupies many of the county s areas. Some civilians have also reported severe hostility from the government soldiers. On the 22 nd March 2017 seven people who had come from the refugees in Uganda went to their homes in Kansuk to collect food. All seven were killed by the Government troops being mistaken for IO operatives. Although a national day of prayer was held on March 10 th 2017 and the national dialogue is ongoing in Juba, several atrocities against civilians continue to be reported, and the government of South Sudan Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 4
has been accused by the international community for spending an enormous amount of the nation s revenue on military arms. Additional troubles that now face South Sudan are the recently declared drought and famine that are ravaging many parts of the country. A recent sentry report states that the country s famine is in fact man made, and according to CBS news on Sunday March 19 th, 5 million people in South Sudan do not know where their next meal will come from, and at least 100,000 face starvation and death. In the past two months, the diocese of Kajo-keji has worked with the local government of Moyo district to successfully establish a coordination office in Moyo, which is now fully operational. We have also carried out several activities in the IDP and refugee camps to contribute to the already on going humanitarian work by both local and international humanitarian organisations such as the UNHCR, all of which are shared in detail in this report. 2. ACTIONS TAKEN i. Provision of shelter, water to the IDPs The diocesan headquarters were open to all who sought shelter and refuge following the January conflict in Kajo-keji, and became home to about 1,500 Internally Displaced People for at least one week before they relocated to the refugee camps in Moyo district. We were also able to provide firewood, water and shelter for the families. ii. Family visits The bishop, Rt. Rev Emmanuel Murye together with some clergy and the Inter-church Committee members visited all 6 families of those who were killed during the clashes on January 22 nd 2017 to comfort them, and to witness for themselves what exactly happened. During these visits, they strongly condemned the actions of both the rebels and government soldiers, and through a joint statement with the interchurches committee appealed for the restrain from any form of violence and the restoration of peace and calm in the greater Kajokeji region. iii. Condemnation of war activities and appeal for peace In a joint statement with the Inter-church Committee, the diocese of Kajo-keji strongly condemned the war activities going on between the rebels and government soldiers who have directly contributed to the Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 5
humanitarian crisis that the people of Kajo-keji are currently facing, and the desertion of Kajo-keji County by its own people. Rt. Rev Emmanuel Murye Modi also released a communiqué to all diocesan friends and partners on the current crisis and did a number of phone interviews with media houses to condemn violence and promote peace. iv. Security meetings with the commissioner and army On February 1 st, the bishop had a security meeting with the commissioner of Kajo-keji County Honourable Luka Yombek to discuss the political and security situation of the County and how the church can be effectively involved in promoting peace and reconciliation between the rebels and the government soldiers. On February 5 th, another meeting was held with the army commander Mr John Kamilo to investigate what exactly happened that led to the crisis, and how the army and church can work together to stop the clashes and ensure peace and security in the County. Although both meetings were successful, it is clear that government of South Sudan has not been very effective in controlling the war activities in the county, and ensuring peace and security. v. Assessment visits In order to effectively assess the refugee situation, the bishop of the Diocese of Kajo-keji as well as a team from Kajo-keji Development and Rehabilitation Agency (KADRA), the development and emergency response team of the Diocese of Kajo-keji visited the Moyo district local government officials and refugee camps of Itula, Belameling and Morobi on February 1 st, 3 rd and 6 th. The objectives of these visits were to: Introduce the diocese of Kajo-keji and her activities to the local government of Moyo district. Introduce the diocese s intentions of starting integral mission in the refugee camps of Moyo district. Seek assistance, guidance, and support from the local government. Meet with the different stakeholders such as Lutheran World Federation, UNHCR and Office of the Prime Minister in humanitarian response, and seek to partner with them in order to carry out the diocesan programs in the refugee camps. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 6
Meet with the Bishop of Madi and West Nile, Rt. Rev Joel Obetia in order to introduce the diocesan intentions of carrying out programs in his diocese, and get his permission to do so. Look for possible liaison office premises, as well as a residential space for diocesan staff. Visit the refugee camps of Itula, Belameling and Morobi where most Kuku refugees are settled and assess their situation for effective emergency response. We were able to successfully accomplish all of the above and are now obligated by the Office of the Prime Minister that is responsible for refugee settlement and NGO/Faith Based Organisations work in the refugee camps to fulfil the requirements below: Obtain a letter from the Madi and West Nile bishop introducing the diocese of Kajo-keji to the refugee desk and giving permission as a sister church for our diocese to operate in the refugee camps. Sign a Memorandum of Association with the Office of the Prime minister through which we can partner with other stakeholders to carry out our development programmes in the refugee camps. The bishop of Madi and West Nile was happy to write an introductory letter for the diocese of Kajo-keji, which was well received by the refugee desk in Adjumani district and the settlement commandant in Moyo district. The diocese of Kajo-keji is now cleared to freely operate in the refugee camps. We now wait to sign an MOU with the OPM before we start our activities in April. vi. Establishment of a coordination office and staff residential space in Moyo district. Together with the LC5 chairperson of Moyo district, we were able to successfully identify and rent an office space which accommodates the diocesan administrative staff, development wing (KADRA) staff, Kajo-keji Christian college, and Hope FM. We are also able to rent a staff residential space for all staff members who do not have families in Moyo, or the refugee camps. Our coordination office is now operational and plans are underway to start the diocesan activities and projects in the refugee camps at the beginning of April. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 7
vii. Relocation of diocesan office equipment and property to Moyo district. We were able to successfully relocate a reasonable number of diocesan office equipment and property from February 5 th 8 th 2017, from Kajo-keji to our new coordination office in Moyo before the situation became worse. These equipment and property included: Office furniture Printers and photocopiers Beddings Solar panels and batteries All stationary Motorcycles All diocesan vehicles The above property was moved from the diocesan headquarters, Kajokeji Christian College, and the KADRA offices. More property has remained in Kajo-keji as were not able to move them when the conflict escalated in February, but plans are underway to try and move them soon. We would like to deeply appreciate GZB our long-term partner for their support of USD 4000 towards this relocation process, and thank all friends and partners for your continued prayers. viii. Bishop s visits to refugee camps in Moyo and Yumbe districts Rt. Rev Emmanuel Murye conducted an official visit to the refugee camps of Morobi, Bidibidi and Kaguru from February 19 th -22 nd alongside a team of diocesan staff. The main aim of this visit was to conduct an assessment of the situation of our people in the camps, but most importantly to pray with and encourage them. During all three visits, the bishop preached from Exodus 19:1-10, and shared the message of love, hope, peace and unity. He also strongly condemned the tribal animosity that was reported among the refugees, and urged everyone to focus on promoting peace. Bishop Emmanuel also met with the clergy of the diocese of Kajo-keji to plan how they can be effectively placed in the refugee camps for church ministry. Spiritual and psychosocial support for the refugees has been greatly emphasised by the implementing humanitarian Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 8
organisations such as LWF and UNHCR, and will be one of our main activities in the coming months. During our visit to Morobi refugee camp, we met a family whose relative had burnt herself to death due to psychosocial stress. Many have also committed suicide in the camps, and drowned themselves in alcoholism owing to related factors. The people also shared with us many challenges such us Lack of Bibles, hymnbooks, prayer books, clergy robes, Holy Communion chalices; poor or no educational facilities, poor or no Although we saw immense suffering among our people during these visits, we also saw a lot of hope and were assured of their pursuit of love, peace and unity as they begin new lives in the refugee camps. ix. Visit to the IDP camps of Ajiyo, Kerwa and Logo Pupils of Andejo Primary school in Kerwa IDP. The school still operates but with reduced number of pupils. On February 16 th and 17 th 2017, a team of three led by the KADRA director visited the IDP camps of Ajiyo, Kerwa and Logo in Liwolo county, western Kajo-keji to conduct the following: Determine the number of functional schools in Liwolo and their conditions. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 9
Assess the population distribution in the IDP camps. Assess the security/social situation in Liwolo Payam. Although the team faced a few difficulties during their travels to Liwolo which included an accident, they were able to successfully do the following: Meet the commissioner of Liwolo County who assured them of their safety and gave them the required permission to conduct their assessments in the camps. Visited nine functional schools. Children at Kerwa Primary school in Kerwa IDP Camp Of the of the above schools, three have started the school term, and six are currently registering pupils and students, but intend to start their teaching terms soon. Assess the security and social situation, which according to their observations is relatively calm and stable. Although Liwolo County is fully under the control of the rebel group, the team observed during their visit that the soldiers were highly disciplined, people were very calm and relaxed, and there was no restricted movements within and out of the county. Assess the population of the IDPs, which they observed is higher in villages closest to the Ugandan border. They also found that a Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 10
small number of people still live in the villages of Bori, Morsak, Mangalotore and Sokare; but most have settled in the IDP camps. The number of IDPs according to a rough estimate by the local authorities is about 18,000. 3. KEY FINDINGS i. Through meetings with the local government, LWF and OPM There are extremely high levels of psychosocial stress, post conflict trauma and tribal animosity that have resulted in domestic violence, family breakups, madness, and tribal animosity, among our people in the refugee camps. This demonstrates a dire need for Psychosocial, spiritual and trauma healing interventions. Cases of Suicide: o At the beginning of the conflict in Kajo-keji, a man hang himself at the transit point in Afogi owing to psychosocial stress related reasons, and many more have committed suicide since settling at the refugee camp. o We also met a family during the bishop s official visit to Morobi refugee camps on February 19 th 2017 that was mourning the loss of a relative who burnt herself to death as a result of psychosocial stress related reasons, and is survived by five orphans and a husband who is an alcoholic. These cases above and many more therefore seek immediate intervention. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 11
ii. Through IDP and refugee camp visits There is severe shortage of food, water and inadequate shelter in the refugee camps. According to a family in the Belameling refugee camp, each person receives only: o Four cups of beans monthly. o Five cups of flour monthly. They also explained that water is delivered once a day or once every two days to 5000 litre tanks stationed in given spots throughout the refugee camps. At least 200 people fetch water from the same tank and once it is finished, they have to wait until more water is delivered. The long line of jerry cans in the photo below evidences this. Children have to wait in a queue for water to be delivered. Medical Care Medical care is one of the real challenges for the refugees. Moreover, poor feeding and unhygienic conditions of living has affected the health of the elderly and the children. Diarrhoea is the major ailment of the elderly and children that has claimed the life of many. We found Racheal Kiden in this picture convulsing from diarrhoea. Racheal Kiden suffered Diarrhoea as soon as she arrived in the refugee Camp. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 12
As the rainy season begins, the level of malaria infections is rising; besides people have already lost property due to poor or no shelters at all. People still sleep in the open without even mosquito netting. This exposes the children and the most elderly to the risks of malaria and cold. Consequently this and given the lack of medical care and lack of adequate feeding, the rate of death of the elderly and children has been high. Many families are forced to stay out in the open either because they haven t received tarpaulins, or are using their tarpaulin shelters to store property, or do not have enough tarpaulins to set up a big enough shelters. These property are all exposed to rain and bad weather. Many refugees still sleep in the open. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 13
The best that the families can put up are these structures. These cannot keep out the rains. There a poor or no educational facilities especially at the refugee camps. During our visit to Bidibidi refugee camp, we were informed that only one primary school had been opened with a population of nearly 6000 children. Many secondary school children are also unable to go to school owing to lack of secondary schools in many of the camps, and only those whose parents can afford to send to secondary schools in Moyo town are able to attend school. Although some schools are operational, the population of such schools are alarming! In Belameling refugee camps, we were told that each class in the primary school had at least 600 children, most whom sat outside or chose to return home because they cannot bear the congestion in their classes. Other challenges include lack of stationary, no funds for teacher salaries, and poor classroom structures. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 14
Our church leaders in the refugee camps lack the required tools to conduct effective church ministry in the refugee camps. During the bishop s official visits to the camps, they shared the lack of Bibles, hymnbooks, prayer books, Clergy robes, Holy Communion chalices, and many more. This has made their pastoral and evangelical work extremely difficult and slowed down the diocesan church outreach mission. 4. DIOCESAN AREAS OF FOCUS / STRATEGY Starting March 2017, the diocese of Kajo-keji would like to be involved in the following areas of intervention in order to contribute to the ongoing efforts of various local and international organisations alleviate the suffering of the people of South Sudan: i. Peace building and Reconciliation. The diocese is keen to promote peace building and reconciliation activities through; Peace building workshops involving the entire refugee community Evangelism and discipleship Music Dance and Drama (MDD) Peace-building crusades Games and Sports activities We are confident that through the above activities, tribal animosity and psychosocial stress can be effectively addressed. Communities will be brought together to participate in the above-mentioned activities, helped to voice out their issues, and participate together in games and Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 15
sports, music, dance and drama. They will also learn to appreciate and forgive each other, thus promoting peace and unity. ii. Emergency assistance 1) While 90% of the people have fled to refugee camps in Uganda, there are IDP Camps around our main Churches in Romogi, Liwolo and Kerwa. These people will need support in terms of food, and Medicines. We could reach up to 18,000 internally displaced people in, Logo, Ajiyo and Kerwa IDP camps with food, Shelter, seeds and other non-food items besides basic medicines. 2) The displacement of people from their homes into refugee camps in Uganda has resulted in severe humanitarian crisis in the form of food and water shortages, lack of shelter, lack of medicines and psychosocial stress, among others. High levels of food insecurity, malnutrition, likelihood of disease outbreaks and depression have also been predicted in the next couple of months among the refugees in Moyo district. As a result of the enormous influx of refugees into Uganda in the past two weeks most of whom are from Kajo-keji County, the UNHCR is now only able to provide four cups of beans and flour for each person that should last an entire month. This indicates how dire the situation is, and the need for the diocese to provide emergency support such as food, medicines, and spiritual and psychosocial support in order to contribute to the on-going humanitarian efforts of UNHCR and other NGOs; and to help alleviate the drastic effects of this crisis on the refugees. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 16
This tree in Logo Internal People s Displaced Camp has become suitable for Jerrissa Konga s family to live in as home! The Backyard of the home. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 17
Jerrisa Konga s family has been here for over two weeks. No shelter! iii. Children, women and youth empowerment Of the refugees that have fled to the camps in Moyo, at least 70% are children, women and youth who are the most vulnerable during this crisis. While most of the men are either involved in the war or have returned to Kajo-keji to graze their cattle or take care of their property, the women must now shoulder the daunting task of providing for their families under extremely difficult situations in the refugee camps. Children and youth are now idle with no productive work to do except for their normal house chores, and no schools to go to, which is very dangerous for their development. In order to empower this category and promote their personal development, we intend to introduce our empowerment programs such as Church and Community Mobilisation Process (CCMP), Functional Adult Literacy (FAL), Community Vocational Training (CVT) that majorly targets youth and trains them in simple trades such as wielding, tailoring, bakery and many more, Bonga that targets girl child school drop outs and trains them in life and vocational skills for 6 and 3 months respectively, and commercialised small scale vegetable farming. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 18
iv. Formation of partnerships The diocese is keen to form strong friendships and partnerships with the church of Uganda, local government of Moyo district, the Office of the prime minister, and other NGOs such as UNHCR and Lutheran World Federation (LWF), all of whom are the main actors in the on-going humanitarian work in Moyo district. Through such partnerships, we are confident that we will learn a lot about humanitarian response work, be guaranteed of the continuity of our work and security, and hopefully transform the lives of the refugees through good collaboration. v. Funding The Diocese of Kajo-keji is appealing to her friends and partners; Stromme Foundation, Tear Fund UK, GZB, Anglican Aid, New Hope, Brickworks UK and others to help support our new focus in order to alleviate the suffering of the people in the refugee camps. The budget below indicates our financial need for the effective coordination, facilitation and implementation of our current areas of focus. Focus Areas of humanitarian appeal for March 2017 to Feb. 2018 Peace building and Reconciliation (Workshops), Evangelism, Music Dance and Drama activities, Peace building Fora/Crusades, Games and sports activities such football, netball, and volleyball) Emergency assistance (Food and medicines) A two year cost of Setting up and maintaining the Amount required (US$) Funds available (US$) Financial gap (US$) 60,710 0 60,710.00 627,000 0 627,000.00 16,800.00 0 16,800.00 Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 19
Diocesan liaison office in Moyo (Office space and a Guest house for staff working in the refugee camps) [2017 to 2019] Relocation costs, Logistics and maintenance (Repair and maintenance, 35,000.00 0 35,000.00 fuel, and hire costs) Vehicle for staff 50,000.00 0 50,000.00 movement 20% Staff costs 117,902.00 0 117,902.00 10% stipend for management and Admin costs. 58,951.00 0 58,951.00 Total 965,863.00 3. CONCLUSION As can be seen above, the situation is indeed dire and the crisis continues to escalate with increasing numbers of refugees settling in camps, and the prediction of the drastic effects this is likely to have on the refugees such as high food insecurity levels, malnutrition especially on children, disease outbreak and severe psychosocial stress. The diocese of Kajo-keji has worked and continues to work hard to manage the crisis to the best of her abilities and capacity, and is committed to continue it s operations in the IDP and refugee camps, but as is indicated in the budget above, is facing financial constraints to do so effectively. We are however confident that once we are able to raise the aboveindicated funds, and with the formation of the above-mentioned partnerships, we will be able to effectively address the proposed areas of humanitarian focus and continue with our operations as a church. Thank you all for your prayers and support in this difficult time and we look forward to continue partnering with you in supporting those Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 20
affected by this crisis in both the IDP camps and refugee camps of Moyo district. Diocese of Kajo-keji situation report: March 2017 21