Human Rights and Development Organization (HUDO)
South
Kordofan / Nuba Mountains
IDPs Situation Part One IDPs Camps The recent counterinsurgency fought by the
Government of Sudan in the Nuba Mountains since June 2011, is not only
exceptionally violent, but also aimed at depopulating the area of civilians.
This war has exploited and brutalized nearly million civilian, and further
immobilized an already decaying infrastructure. It has destroyed the livelihood
base resulting in immense human suffering and caused systematic forced
migration of populations across the region: internally Displaced Peoples (IDPs)
estimated at over half a million.
These large number of people have been suddenly deprived of food, and access to
all services is cut off, yet needs persist, even escalated. sadly, a
considerable number of these IDPs are deprived of even the right to establish a
camp, and their condition is getting worse and worse. Since the beginning of
the conflict in Southern Kordofan, the authorities have sought to prevent the
emergence of IDPs camps; and intentionally removed any established camps as in
Talodi (for IDPs from Talodi countryside);and Abu-Jibaiha (for IDPs from
Talodi, Kalogi, El-Leri) and El-Obeid (for IDPs from Kadugli); and
Al-Abbasiya/Tagali (for IDPs from Tagali countryside). Thus the IDPs had to
rent houses, stay with relatives (sometimes more than six families in a small
house) or disperse into the neighborhoods of those cities. In some areas, the
authorities have further prohibited any kind of aid or assistance to the IDPs
by the host communities. An example to that is what has happened to a seventy
years old farmer (Abdullah Adam Manno) from Albideriah village near Kadhorbat.
Mr. Abdullah was summoned by the military intelligence in Al-Abbasiya/Tagali
and threatened with arrest and deportation because he had started collecting
sorghum from the host community in his village to assist the IDPs. The
arbitrary procedures by authorities in displacement areas forced many IDPs to
return to their home areas despite the insecurity and bombarding. They prefer
to die with dignity rather than humiliation. Despite all these challenges, many
people were established a number of small camps around North East and North
West Al-Abbasiya/Tagali locality. These IDPs are from Al-Abbasiya/Tagali
countryside who are predominantly from Tagali tribe (which subdivided into more
than ten clans including: Todeir, Tagowei, Kajakjah, Wadalkah, Tokum, and
Torjuk) The established IDPs Camps are described as follows: Al-mashaggah Camp
It is plain land which is free of hills (a hill is to the North and relatively
far). This place is usually occupied by nomads during the rainy season but
lacks basic services. Location: about 35 km North-West of Al-Abbasiya/Tagali
and 5 km East of Mabsut. Number of IDPs: about 650 families, mostly women,
children and elders. Home Villages: El-Moreib As-Souq, Banat El-Moreib, Tajlo,
Alhutah, Tassai, Tajelbo and part of Souq Aljabal. All are from Tagali Tribes.
Basic services:
Water: No water source, thus the water is brought from Mabsut water source (5
km to the West), which is overloaded and experience frequent breakdowns. When
the pumps in Mabsut breakdown, the IDPs search water from Taibah village (4 km
south-west) where there are hand pumps.
Education: No School.
Health Services: No health facilities.
Other services: The IDPs have not received any kind of relief (shelter, food,
health, etc.).
NB: Cases of diarrhea and deaths were reported among children. The reasons
behind choosing this area by the IDPs
• Its proximity to SPLM-controlled areas, to escape the grip of central
government specially that most of them to the camps due to the arbitrary
treatment by the authorities including women rape.
• Its proximity to their home areas.
• The availability of pasture for those who maintained some cattle.
• The area is Uninhabited by any other groups as the IDPs have lost confidence
in others.
Um Marreh Village Camp The village is the home of spiritual leader Al-Khalifa
Ahmed Abul-Qasim, where his mosque is located, It is surrounded by mountains
from North, East and to some extent West.
Location: about 40 km Northwest of the Al-Abbasiya/Tagali, 55 km southwest Umm
Rawaba. The IDPs are gathered in and around the village.
IDPs Number: around 500 families, mostly women and children.
Home Areas: El-Moreib As-Souq, Banat El-Moreib, Tajlo, Alhutah, and Tajelbo
Basic services
Water: There is a water station attached to the mosque (water is sold to IDPs
at a rate of 2 pounds per barrel($0.3).
Education: No education facility other than the mosque which is for religious
education and Quran teaching.
Health: No health facilities as in the past the village population used to seek
health services in El Moreib. Other services: There are no other services
rather than spiritual support by the Sheikh. Apart from limited food assistance
by the Sheikh to some, no aid of any kind has been received. The reasons behind
choosing this area by the IDPs
• The existence of a water source.
• Preferred by those who had previous relation with the Sheikh (as followers)
or those who have children studying Quran there.
• Sheikh was distributing the stocked food he had to the IDPs at the initial
days of displacement.
• IDPs were promised of food assistance by the government (through the Sudanese
Red Crescent) after an initial counting and assessment.
However is then discovered that the counting was for security reasons). Mabsut
Village Camp It is an inhabited village which is bordered by a hill from the
South. The IDPs sought refuge in the village and formed small settlement inside
and around it. Location: about 35 km north-west of the Al-Abbasiya/Tagali, very
close to Al[1]Mashaggah camp IDPs
Number: about 480 families (3650 individuals). Home Areas: mostly from Sowbout
(20 km south-west Al-Abbasiya/Tagali), El-Moreib As-Souq, and Tajlo. They are
mainly from Kajakjah tribe.
Basic services:
Water: The water source experience frequent breakdowns due overload (water is
sold at 2 pounds per barrel).
Education: The only elementary school absorbed small number of the displaced
children.
Health: No health facilities as in the past the village population used to seek
health services in El-Moreib. Other services: There are no other services.
Apart of some food assistance so IDPs by their host relative, the IDPs have not
received any assistance.
The reasons behind choosing this area by the IDPs
• The existence of a water source (artesian well).
• The existence of the school (Some hoped to have their children enrolled in
the school).
• Some have relatives in the village. Gurdud Nyama Camp The village is bordered
by North Kordofan State and known with its weekly market (every Friday), which
is attended by residents of neighboring areas as well as those coming from
other towns like El-Rahad, Al-Abbasiya/Tagali and Umm Rawaba.
Location: Borders North Kordofan State. About 50 km Southwest Umm[1]Rawaba, Southeast El
Rahad city and 40 km Northwest Al-Abbasiya/Tagali.
IDPs Number: The authorities’ attempts to disperse the camp resulted in
displacement of vast majority of the IDPs to other towns like Um-Rawaba, El-Rahad
and El Obeid in Northern Kordofan;
and Hasahesa and Al Managil in Jazeera State.
The IDPs remained in the village are only about 70 families, most of them
located in Hillat Artokah neighborhood, formed a small settlement.
Home Villages: El Moreib Al-souq and Banat
Important Note:
Upon some fear by the host population on transfer of the land ownership to the
new settlers by time; the local traditional authorities (Sheikh) imposed a land
rental fee of twenty pounds per family for a period not more than two years,
hoping will end with repatriation of the IDPs to their home areas. Basic
services Water: No access to clean water, the village has no any artesian well
or hand pump; the only source of water is the reservoir (Hafeer) which is
turbid and contaminated because it is being accessed by human as well as
animals. The reservoir is currently much more contaminated, shallow and about
to be depleted. Education: There is one basic (primary) school, where some of
the displaced children got the chance to be enrolled. Health: Poor health care
facility. Other Services: The IDPs were provided with some assistance by the
host community such as food as advised by religious and community leaders to
assist IDPs with their crops (Zakat). IDPs also received limited aid from some
benevolent individuals in terms of non-food items (clothing, and the plastic
sheets and mosquito nets). There are no other health services or food aid.
There are report of diarrhea cases among children. The reasons behind choosing
this area by the IDPs
• The existence of the school (hoping to have their children enrolled in it).
• Better employment opportunities due the existing of a day market which is
attended by people from neighboring villages as well as from El Rahad, Umm
Rawaba and Al-Abbasiya/Tagali.
• Relatively safe due to its distance from the conflict areas as well as its
proximity to North Kordofan State. It also represents as good relay station for
those planning to travel farther. IDPs in Wakara Wakara is a large village
surrounded by hill 4km to the West, and is extended to Northwest and Southwest.
Location: About 25 km east of Al-Abbasiya/Tagali IDPs
Number: IDPs were dispersed by authorities, thus the IDPs of Nubian origin
moved to SPLM controlled areas as well as to Al Mashaggah camp while the Arab
groups were relocated to Balolah Alezairiq village. About 60 families of the
Arab remained and settled in Hillat Fur Neighborhood.
Home Villages: Jebel Ahmar, Gerwaya and Qambrayah (10 km south of the
Al-Abbasiya/Tagali).
Basic Services
Water: There are two artesian wells.
Education: There are two Basic (primary) schools (boys and girls) and a
secondary school. IDPs children were admitted in these schools.
Health: There is a PHC center.
Other services: Small assistance in terms of food (sorghum) and non food items
(clothing) was provided by the host community. The reasons behind choosing this
area by the IDPs
• Relatively safe because it is predominated inhibited by Arab groups,
therefore it is not targeted by the attacks from the Guard Border. Militias or
Popular Defense Militias.
• Its proximity and accessibility to Kosti in the White Nile Sate.
• Availability of almost all the basic services. IDPs in Tabassa
Village Location: About 55 km to the Northwest of Al-Abbasiya/Tagali.
IDPs Number: About 45 families from Kajakjah tribe scattered in all Tabassa
neighborhoods. The host community provided them with some assistances.
Home Village: Tassai Village
Basic services
Education: There is an Basic (Primary) school which absorbed the displaced
children.
Health: There is PHC center Other services: Did not receive any aid.
Home areas (Where the IDPs were displaced from):
1. El Moreib: Located (25 km) Northwest Al-Abbasiya/Tagali,
composed of different villages which are El Moreib As-Souq, Banat, Tajlo,
Alneelah, and Alhutah. Densely populated and considered as major center for the
Tagali tribes (mostly Todeir and Wadalkah). Most of El Moreib residents were
displaced to the big towns (Khartoum, El Obeid, Umm Rawaba, El Rahad, Al[1]Abbasiya/Tagali and
Hasahesa) while the remaining scattered in the nearby camps (Al Mashaggah, Um
Marreh, Gurdud Nyama and Mabsut).
2. Tassai: Located at the foothills of Tassai Mount 10 km to
the West of Al[1]Abbasiya/Tagali.
Its resident displaced to Al Abbasiya/Tagali and to Al Mashaggah and Tabassa
camps.
3. Khor Fidaila: The village is located 15 km to the South
of Al-Abbasiya/Tagali.
Its residents fled to Al Mashaggah and Mabsut.
4. Jebel Ahmar: The village is located 7 km to the south of Al-Abbasiya/Tagali.
Its resident fled to Wakara and later on to the big towns but some to Balolah
Alezairiq camp.
5. Karmogia: The village is about 5 km away from the center of the Al-Abbasiya/Tagali
and considered as one of the town suburbs. Its residents fled to
Al-Abbasiya/Tagali and Wakara.
6. Gerwaya and Kodorbat: Located at the foothills of Mount Al Abbasiya. Considered
as one of Al-Abbasiya/Tagali suburbs as it is only 4 km from the
Al-Abbasiya/Tagali center. Its residents were displaced to Al-Abbasiya/Tagali
and Wakara. Dates and causes of displacement Displacement from the above
mentioned areas took place between 21 January and August, 2012. The main causes
for the displacement were:
• The organized operations of looting and attacks of unarmed population
(civilians), by the groups of Border Guard and Popular Defense Militias (who
were inspired by government) since early January, 2012. (Detailed information
were included in earlier report titled: Nuba Mountains / Eastern Region).
• On 28 January, 2012, SPLM forces attacked Al Migreh area and abducted Chinese
laborers. This attack led to displacement from the neighboring villages like
Karmogia. It also resulted in more government pressure on the Nubian group and
eventually a clear instruction was passed by the government in May 2012 to
evacuate the remaining inhabitants and to leave the area.
• On 9th July, 2012, Border Guard and Popular Defense Militias attacked
Souq-Aljabal Area. The attack result in displacement of the residents to Rashad
and Al-Abbasiya/Tagali and later on some fled to other big towns in other
states while others fled to the nearby camps.
• In July 2012 the government forces backed up by militias including the
Janjaweed from Darfur attacked Tassai village, which resulted in further
displacement.
• On 20 August 2012 the government forces backed up with its militia including
the Janjaweed from Darfur attacked the densely populated El-Moreib areas. This
attack resulted in massive displacement from these areas which necessitated the
establishment of displacement camps. Later more IDPs joined these camps after
being harassed and denied the right to establish IDP camps. Important Notes on
the camps • The camps are dominated by women, children and the elders; and
almost lack the presence of male youth who had migrated to big cities and areas
of agricultural schemes due to two reasons: o To run away from the authorities
violations and harassments .
• To look for work in order to help and secure their families needs.
• A sense of fear pervades the camps and residents remain skeptical of
strangers. When asked to explain that, the IDPs gave the following reasons for
their fear: o They suspect presence of authorities’ spies in the camps and they
feel that they are under constant surveillance. o They were instructed to deny
their displacement but rather to mention that they are settling in new villages
or nomadic settlements. o They were threatened with expulsion and that they
will be treated as rebels should they disobey those orders. • A big number of
IDPs kept displacing from place to other, e.g. those who had settled in
Al-Abbasiya/Tagali and Wakara had left it to other areas such as Al Mashaggah,
Mabsut and Um Marreh Camps. That was due to the harassment by the government
authorities, as well as disallowance to form displacement camps and the
inability to rent house in the town. Hence kept in continually moving.
• Mobile phones are used with caution due to fear of being monitored.
• Environment health is badly deteriorated (there is no clean water, toilets,
etc.).
• All houses (huts) are made of the availed local materials while plastic
sheets are used by very few. Appeal We hereby appeal to all, the International
Community, Human Rights Organizations, international solidarity organization,
Other International Decision Making Centers and to all those who stand by human
rights and legality to exert utmost efforts to end this predicament through:
1. Immediate unconditional access should be given to humanitarian agencies to
deliver humanitarian aid to these affected people and to lift all restrictions
on humanitarian access.
2. Exert a maximum pressure and act urgently to force the Sudanese Government
to stop repression and human rights violation against IDPs.
3. Protect IDPs from further attacks.
4. Immediate release of all IDPs’ detainees and all other arbitrary detainees
and abductees.
5. Exerting more pressure on the NCP regime to halt the aerial bombings.
6. The perpetrators who committed crimes against humanity should be brought to
court to face justice.
HUDO 25th of February 2013