Land disputes delaying opening of Sudan-South Sudan border crossings

Sudan's ambassador to South Sudan, Jamal Malik (Radio Tamazuj)

The border crossings between Sudan and South Sudan have still not been opened, despite the agreement of both governments to open four border-crossing points between the two countries in October last year.

The border between Sudan and South Sudan itself is not delimited or defined. In 2005, the Sudan Comprehensive Peace Agreement provided mechanisms for delimiting and demarcating the boundaries. But the process failed because the parties involved could not reach a political settlement on the disputed and contested border areas.

Last year’s agreement specified which four border crossing posts would be opened. They are Jebelain-Renk, Meiram, Buram -Timsah and Kharsana-Panakuac. The deal also put a set timeline in place for implementation.

 “The two countries are still committed to opening the border crossings. But the remaining problem is from the side of the local population living in those areas. It seems some people don’t want those crossing points to be opened due to land disputes, so this needs more efforts from the two countries to convince those people,” Jamal Malik, Sudanese Ambassador to South Sudan, told Radio Tamazuj on Friday.

The Sudanese diplomat said his country is keen to maintain cordial relations with South Sudan, pointing out that the two countries share a lot.

“In general, we hope that our relations reach a strategic level, but we are aware of the internal challenges facing the two countries. But we are working to enhance our partnership,” Jamal said.

According to the ambassador, the joint border committee between the two countries is working to find an agreement on the disputed areas.

“The committee has not yet reached an agreement, but they are working. In the meantime, we can open the border crossings that are undisputed so that our citizens can move freely and engage in trade because it is very important,” he said.