World Vision staff relocate from Malakal
Source: World Vision International
Joanna Trevor and Nigel Marsh
Website: http://www.wvi.org
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World Vision International has temporarily relocated 17 international staff from Malakal and surrounding areas to other locations in Southern Sudan.
The action was taken as a precautionary measure, and reflects similar relocations by other agencies working in the Upper Nile Province. In total, 120 humanitarian staff have left due to conflict in the Upper Nile area.
Fighting broke out in Malakal between Sudan People's Liberation Army forces and militia operating in Upper Nile on the night of 23rd November, and became considerably worse between the 27th and 29th November. United Nations organisations and humanitarian agencies working in Upper Nile have decided to reduce their presence until the fighting subsides.
"Gun shots were heard from both sides, and people were running from all sides," said a World Vision staff member who had to take cover during the fighting.
"At one point humanitarian agency staff felt difficulties as the airport was sealed and planes were neither allowed to land nor take off."
On the night of 27th November humanitarian workers gathered at the United Nations Mission to Southern Sudan offices in Malakal. On the 29th November 110 UN and NGO staff were transferred from Malakal to Juba, Rumbek, El Obeid and Loki.
UN security staff plan to relocate more agency staff in the next couple of days.
World Vision's Area Program Manager Chris Imana remains in Malakal as a member of an interagency group monitoring conditions.
The UN reports that most civilians have abandoned their homes and are crossing the Nile to Makal Shilluk, Ogod, Ditang, Lelo and Obuar avoid the fighting. All shops in Malakal town are closed at the moment.
Media reports suggest that Dr Riak Machar (Vice President of the South Sudan Government) is planning to meet with the Governor of Upper Nile Province and the leaders of the combattants.
Notes for editors
World Vision interventions in Southern Sudan include food aid, health, education, water and sanitation, non-food emergency relief, protection, food security and malaria prevention.
These activities are supported by WFP, OFDA, UN-CHF, the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, Japan Platform, ECHO and the German Government. Most World Vision support offices are involved in supporting the programme in Upper Nile.
Our operations are traditionally concentrated in Tonga and Fashoda area of Upper Nile. The coordination office in Malakal supports project sites in Nyilwak, Papwojo and Athidwai. The non-food item distribution team covers all of Upper Nile area where beneficiaries have been identified; its recent operations have focused on Nyilwak, and Malakal and its environs.
Interviews
Chris Imana is available for limited media work from Malakal. Please contact Joanna Trevor at the WV Sudan office to arrange this, and for more information: Joanna_trevor@wvi.org or on +254 733 606 100.
[ Any views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not of Reuters. ]
