African mediation proposes new map to end Sudan-South Sudan deadlock

June 7, 2012 (KHARTOUM) – The African Union mediation team has proposed a new map of Sudan and South Sudan’s borders to the two delegations in order to facilitate an agreement on security issues between the two sides, as the talks are currently deadlocked.

Sudan has refused a map presented by the South Sudan which includes the disputed area between South Darfur and Northern Bahr al Ghazal within South Sudan. The 14 miles of land located south of the Bahr el Arab / Kiir River, is a grazing area crucial for the Darfur tribes and Dinka Malual.

Sudan also rejects any claims over Heglig, saying that before its independence, South Sudan had accepted the rule of the arbitration court over Abyei and did not contest it.

The African Union mediation team on Wednesday has handed a new map to the two parties in a bid to reconcile their positions, Sudan Tribune has learnt.

In the past the border demarcation joint committee has agreed on four areas: between the Upper Nile and White Nile; a triangle between the South Kordofan, Upper Nile and White Nile borders; Kaka, between South Kordofan and Upper Nile; and the mineral rich Kafia Kinji area located between South Darfur and Western Bahr al Ghazal.

The parties have to reach an agreement within three months in accordance with a road map prepared by the African Union and endorsed by the United Nations Security Council.

(ST)