IOM has rehabilitated four water yards in North Abyei to provide
water for Misseriya nomads and their cattle returning from grazing
lands along the Sudan-South Sudan border. The nomadic migration
regularly causes conflict with local farmers as limited resources
have to be shared.

A sizeable number of Misseriya nomads and their animals have
moved back north from pastures in Unity State in South Sudan. The
reverse migration started earlier than in previous years as many
traditional migration routes across the border into South Sudan
have been blocked due to ongoing border tensions.  

Nomadic movements add pressure on already limited pastures and
water sources in northern parts of Abyei. This significantly
increases the potential for conflict over natural resources with
resident famers and encourages hostile acts such as cattle
raids.  

With logistical support and with protection from the UN Interim
Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), IOM engineers have installed
submersible pumps and rehabilitated four water yards in the
villages of Andal, Diffra, Todach and Dingop.  

The water yards have the capacity to serve 14,500 people from
the resident population and accommodate the needs of an estimated
11,600 nomads and some 200,000 cattle. The rehabilitation of a
fifth water yard in Wonrouk is in underway.  

IOM will also sign an agreement with UNISFA for the
implementation of six Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) to rehabilitate
an additional six water yards in North Abyei. 

Meanwhile, IOM finalized the construction of four emergency
latrine blocks in Rumamier located north of the Bahr el Arab/Kiir
River. Following the displacement of thousands from Abiemnom in
Unity State who fled previous aerial bombardments in the area,
hygiene conditions in Rumamier have deteriorated. 

The new latrines will prevent the contamination of the Bahr el
Arab/Kiir River adjacent to the site where displaced groups are
living. In addition, IOM repaired the generator of the Rumamier
water yard, which now provides drinking water for 2,500
people.  

Ahead of the rainy season and in view of the potential return of
more displaced persons from Agok to Abyei, IOM Sudan is stocking up
its humanitarian supplies, including plastic sheets, mosquito nets
and hygiene kits in Abyei town. 

For more information please contact

Johannes Braun

IOM Khartoum

Tel: +249 (0)922 406 676

Email: "mailto:jbraun@iom.int">jbraun@iom.int