S. Kordofan and B. Nile conflict compromises security deal implementation – South Sudan
November 28, 2012 (WASHINGTON) — South Sudanese Ambassador to the United Nations said the implementation of security arrangements will be compromised without the resolution of South Kordofan and Blue Nile conflict.
Hervé Ladsous, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations, who presented the report told the Council that the slow progress in the implementation of the 27 September cooperation deal, which includes the resumption of oil exportation, “could adversely impact South Sudan’s economic and social stability”.
“Given the dependency of South Sudan on oil revenues, further delay in generating them would not only continue to negatively affect all Government development programmes but could also lead to tensions within its different components, including the security services.”
Deng, who addressed the Council for the first time in his capacity as Permanent Representative of the Republic of South Sudan said his government is “eager” to implement the security arrangements and blamed Khartoum for the delay .
“It is clear that unless there can be a dialogue (between Sudan and SPLM-N) on the basis of previous agreements, including the CPA and last year’s 28 June agreement, it will be difficult to implement the Safe Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ) and Joint Border Verification Monitoring Mechanism (JBVMM),” he said.
The Ambassador stressed that Juba continues to prepare for the resumption of oil exportation through Sudan but Khartoum on the other side imposes “additional demands on security issues that go far beyond the scope of the 27th September agreements.”
South Sudanese President Sava Kiir on Monday said that Khartoum demands to disarm the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) which fights the Sudanese army in South Kordofan and Blue Nile.
Khartoum said it would be ready to hold direct talks with the SPLM-N under the auspices of the African mediation when the latter lay down their arms. The rebels, on the other side, say want a comprehensive process including Darfur armed groups.
“We are nonetheless encouraged by a recent exchange between our two Presidents and an agreement to reconvene the Joint Political and Security Mechanism in Khartoum next week,” Deng however said.
Sudanese defence minister Abdel-Rahim Hussein, announced that the political and security committee will meet on 5 and 6 December in Khartoum after failing to agree on the deployment of joint patrols in Juba.
Khartoum accuses Juba of supporting SPLM-N which was part of the ruling party in South Sudan before its independence, and repeats oil money will benefits also to the rebels.
Deng also underlined that his government is concerned by the humanitarian impact generated by the conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile as the presence of refugees affects directly South Sudanese on the border areas.
(ST)