IOM is providing emergency assistance to a group stranded in
Southern Sudan with registration, protection monitoring, transport
and food distribution.
The stranded Mbororo, part of a nomadic group originally from
western Africa but living in Sudan for several generations, had
crossed large parts of South Sudan from the Blue Nile area on foot
while herding their cattle.
But the group became vulnerable following a recent attack some 80
kilometres west of Juba.  In order to prevent further loss of
life, IOM and UN partners are providing assistance so the group can
continue their journey.
At the request of the government, IOM and UN partners agreed to
assist a group of 191 vulnerable persons which includes widows, the
elderly and small children; the rest of the group will continue
toward Blue Nile on foot with their cattle.
On Sunday, IOM carried out registration and monitoring of a
government-organized convoy into Juba town, where the group was
taken to a UNHCR-established way station.  
In the past week, IOM has carried out three assessment missions
with the local government and UN agencies, including the UN Mission
Return and Reintegration Unit, to reach the group and discuss safe
passage through surrounding villages.  
IOM staff are providing monitoring at the way station, while the
logistics of the onward journey are put in place.  Working
with the UN World Food Programme (WFP) IOM assisted with food
distribution.  UNICEF will provide medicine and the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO) will provide veterinary
support for the cattle.
IOM is also working with the local government and UN partners to
ensure continued safe passage of the rest of the group and cattle
to Blue Nile.  
Mbororo community members have been contacted and are awaiting the
arrival of the vulnerable group.  
In the past, IOM has provided assistance to 4,000 IDPs who have
become stranded or vulnerable on their journey home in central and
southern Sudan.
For more information please contact
Louis Hoffman
IOM Sudan
Tel: +249-91-217-0095 or +882-164-333-8260