Calm returns to southern Sudan

Though the fighting in southern Sudan has ceased, staff from SOS Children’s Villages remain cautious and preventive measures have been taken.

Whilst in the last few days, the situation around the area of Malakal has stabilised, many still fear that fighting might break out at any moment, since reasons that led to the fighting on 25 February remain unresolved.

The SOS Children's Village Malakal provided shelter for 150 families during the fighting, including 500 adults, mostly women, and 700 children. The guests were put up in various family houses, the activities hall, the guest house and the administration offices and were offered a share of the limited food and water supplies.

The United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) provided the Village with water and secured medical assistance for all the children who required immediate aid. SOS Children's Villages Sudan has requested continued support from UNIMS since shortages are likely to continue despite the end of violence. The city still lacks electricity, gasoline and water.

SOS Children is also planning to send a support team from Khartoum to help children overcome the trauma of the mayhem they have witnessed. The SOS Malakal Vocational Training Centre, where some 100 former child soldiers receive assistance and support, is undamaged but remains closed.