Viable Support to Transition and Stability (VISTAS) Q2 FY 2018 Quarterly Report

Despite efforts by the government to bolster support, the political landscape remained unchanged, and the High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) talks in Addis Ababa achieved little progress. The Troika emphasized the importance of the HLRF in making progress towards peace in South Sudan. The humanitarian, economic, security, human rights, and political situation in South Sudan continued to deteriorate in the second quarter of FY 18. However, the decline in the number of reported serious incidents continued across the country, with criminality remaining low relative to the past five years. Fighting largely abated within the Equatorias, Jonglei, and parts of Unity State. Cases of insecurity remained around Juba and in Lakes State, where the SPLA was engaging in a disarmament campaign in select communities. VISTAS cleared one activity valued at $125,770 and completed 23 activities valued at approximately $2 million during FY18 Q2. The volume of cleared activities was lower than preceding reporting periods due to funding limitations, pending an extension and potential new funding obligation. Staffing numbers were reduced again this quarter in line with the demobilization plan, with the departure of three expats. Management notified staff of additional terminations in April, including one expat and 24 national positions. Capacity building of grantees continued from the first quarter, with trainings focused on various aspects of organizational management as well as proposal writing. A total of 56 participants from 14 organizations attended these capacity building trainings during Q2. The M&E team will compile a report detailing the training, progress made, and lessons learned as they continue to strengthen and integrate this component throughout the planned extension TAP. VISTAS conducted stakeholder consultation meetings in Juba and all field locations to assess the overall outcomes and impacts of VISTAS activities, along with identifying gaps and how to best bridge them. The M&E team is currently compiling and analyzing information from these consultations. Next month, the team will complete their analysis and issue a report on the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from VISTAS interventions, along with recommendations from stakeholders on the way forward for programming. In Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBG), stability continued and trade increased following successful annual cross-border migration conferences and Sudanese President Bashir's announcement of the opening of the border. There is hope that this will reduce market prices as the people of NBG are heavily reliant on Sudanese goods. The economy has weakened due to the collapse of patronage networks and the decrease in contributions from former Governor and SPLA Chief of Staff Paul Malong. This led to continued food insecurity and an exodus of citizens migrating north to Sudan looking for jobs. The World Food Program continued to provide food aid, and the population seems to be relieved by the announcement of the border opening. The VISTAS program continued to face significant challenges in the second quarter of FY 2018, including the decline in the number of reported serious incidents, the continued deterioration of the humanitarian, economic, security, human rights, and political situation, and the reduction in staffing numbers. However, the program also made progress in capacity building, stakeholder consultation, and the assessment of overall outcomes and impacts of VISTAS activities. The M&E team will continue to compile and analyze information from these consultations to inform future programming.