Development in a Time of Upheaval – WBG President Remarks ahead of Annual Meetings Ahead of the WBG-IMF Annual Meetings, President David Malpass delivered a speech in Khartoum entitled “Development in a Time of Upheaval.” President Malpass is the first WBG President to visit Sudan in nearly 40 years. He commended civil and military authorities for their efforts in working together toward a better future. He recalled that development was dependent on peace and stability. During his speech, President Malpass noted that the world was going through a “troubling time of upheaval,” with a reversal in development and the poor being left behind in a “global tragedy of inequality”. He outlined four priorities to shorten the crisis, boost economic growth and resume development: promoting economic stability, leveraging the digital revolution, making development greener and more sustainable and investing in people. Read the full speech here and panel discussion here. Watch the full replay here: https://live.worldbank.org/david-malpass-speech-september-30

Nearly 75,000 refugees in White Nile State, with new camp Um Sangor holding 5,5000. 1,000 + refugees have continued to cross per week since March

On 6 Aug, UNHCR and UNICEF signed a Country Letter of Understanding on a Action Plan defining joint roles and responsibilities for the South Sudanese operation.

40-50% of refugees in White Nile state now employed in agriculture following the passing of new regulations lifting livelihood restrictions.

Joint inter-agency partners complete needs assessment (4-6 December) for 47,000 refugees living in Khartoum's 'open areas'.

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.

UNHCR and the Government of Sudan’s Commission for Refugees (COR) completed the distribution of an NFI package of blankets and plastic sheeting to over 10,000 households across ‘open area’ settlements, including 8,541 refugee households (benefiting 57,346 refugees) and 1,496 of the most vulnerable host community households adjacent to settlement areas. The package will provide interim shelter assistance while inter-agency partners develop a more sustainable shelter response.

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.