March 22, 2011: Ten days ago, 103 SOS Mothers and children in the Sudan town of Malakal were evacuated after fighting between rebels and the southern Sudan army spilled into their SOS Village. After a March 16 inspection of damage to the SOS Village by its director Alwock Dok and the U.N. Mission in Sudan, those 103 evacuees are continuing to sit tight at a secure off-site location.  The review revealed the need for renovations and more safety inspections that will require about two weeks to complete.

Group of SOS children in Sudan. Photo by Lubna El-Elaimy

The skirmish left two SOS family homes uninhabitable. Some families’ belongings disappeared while others were burned. The losses will be replaced as soon as possible. The U.N. Mission in Sudan will be inspecting and clearing the village premises to ensure they are safe. The SOS families living in the two homes that suffered the most damage will likely be housed temporarily in the Village meeting hall and office until the repairs and clearance work are done.

Concern for the Children’s Psychological Well-being

The evacuated children are safe at the hotel with their SOS Mothers and Village staff. However, members of the SOS Malakal psychological unit have started checking for signs of post-traumatic stress. “While, sadly, many children have had previous experiences being caught in the middle of violence, we want to prevent further emotional suffering and any serious psychological trauma as a result of what they had to live through last Saturday,” says Alwock Dok.

Security Threats Widen in Sudan

SOS girl playing with water hose in Sudan. Photo by Jan Schulz

The recent fighting prompted the South Sudanese to walk away from negotiations with northern Sudan over the weekend. The talks are intended to be preparation for southern Sudan’s independence.

Ongoing armed conflicts over southern Sudan’s oil and territory lying near the north-south border are causing concern about southern Sudan’s secession from the north, scheduled for July. The new nation of South Sudan is slated to receive international recognition at that time, less than four months from now.

Help Provide Love and Stability for Children during Turbulent Times

You can help hapless child victims of violence in Sudan and elsewhere by becoming an SOS Global Village Builder. For as little as $12 a month, you make the dream of a home and a loving family come true for children in need.

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