Humanitarian Agencies in Post-Referendum Arrangements

By Clement Gbatanawo

YAMBIO, 18 OCTOBER 2010 (Gurtong) - The two met the acting State Governor and Minister of Information and Communication Gibson Bullen Wande to discuss post-referendum humanitarian issues.

Speaking during the briefing, Agany said the purpose of the visit was to discuss the various issues being faced by the state following consultations with the GoSS Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster James Kok in Juba.

He disclosed that as Sudan prepares for the referendum, both pre and post - referendum activities and plans need to be laid down as a matter of urgency.

Agany also revealed that the Red Crescent plans to extend its services to the eastern counties of the state in 2011 for equal service delivery.

The Director General said they have so far toured five states in South Sudan in the run up to the January plebiscite.

He disclosed that they will host a meeting in Juba between October 25 and 26, 2010 that will bring together all the partners of the Red Crescent and Red Cross from the European Union, the United States of America and neighbouring countries.

“The meeting will come up with strategies on how to prepare for the referendum and post- referendum activities in Sudan”, he said.

The acting Governor assured the delegation that the state Government will support every activity more especially the extension of the services to the far eastern counties of the state.

“Western Equatoria State in particular looks at the referendum as a process that will not affect the operations of any humanitarian agencies since such organisations have no borders of operation”, Wande said.

He urged the team to continue with their planning for emergency responses and affirmed that the Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (SRRC) will feed them with accurate data on the numbers of Internally Displaced Persons and returnees in the state.

He called upon the Sudanese Red Crescent to always lease with the Government if a need arises or for consultations on other activities.

With the referendum, fast approaching, over 65, 000 South Sudanese will be repatriated back to South Sudan; hence there is a need to strengthen With the referendum, fast approaching, over 65, 000 South Sudanese will be repatriated back to South Sudan; hence there is a need to strengthen the office on the ground, training first aid staff, equipping hospitals and initiating food security measures amongst others.