CLOSURE OF JODA BORDER ENTRY POINT IN WHITE NILE – The Joda entry point has been closed since 28 March, with reasons for the closure still unclear. This has halted the crossing of South Sudanese people from the northern Upper Nile region in South Sudan. Reports indicate that “many” people are stranded on the other side intending to cross into Sudan. UNHCR is preparing a contingency plan for Joda to manage a higher arrival figure if/when Joda re-opens. Two other border entry points at El Megenis and Kuek remain open and continue to receive new arrivals.

Over 4,300 South Sudanese refugees newly arrived in Sudan in March, for a total of nearly 15,000 who have arrived in Sudan in 2018 so far. The majority of new arrivals are crossing through East Darfur and South Darfur. Total verified South Sudanese refugee population stands at nearly 769,000.

Fuel shortages across Sudan worsened at the end of March, interfering with response logistics and slowing down humanitarian assistance at refugee locations. While some relief has been provided with renewed availability of fuel supplies, additional shortages are anticipated in the coming months.

According to WFP, import restrictions and clearance delays are driving general food distribution (GFD) gaps to refugees across Sudan. There are ongoing pipeline breaks for pulses, cooking oil and salt, with refugees in most location receiving partial rations with key commodities missing. The cooking oil gap will likely be resolved in April.