HSS Expert Panel Monitor: Q1-Q2 update from Jonglei State, South Sudan

Highlights:

• 40% of consulted local security experts claimed that the general security situation across Greater Bor (Bor South, Twic East and Duk counties) improved in the first half of 2023, another 40% indicated that security got worse, and the final 20% indicated not observing any changes in the last year;

• 60% of consulted experts indicated that cattle raids, women & child abductions and other forms of intercommunal violence, mostly by Murle militias from GPAA posed a bigger threat to Greater Bor communities compared to previous year.

• Generally speaking, almost three quarters of consulted experts (73%) think that cattle raids, women & child abductions and road ambushes are still the biggest challenges across Greater Bor area of Jonglei, followed by periods of drought as well as flooding within the year (20%), brought about by late but heavy rains.

• The biggest positive developments were believed to be the construction of a paved road connecting Bor town with the capital Juba, limiting travel time and boosting local business. Moreover, local dyke construction has helped protect communities against recurrent seasonal floods.