Sudan’s defence minister demands Juba implement security arrangements
August 20, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan defence minister Abdel Rahim Hussein demanded to implement the security arrangements protocols signed with the South Sudan on 27 September 2012 within the framework of Cooperation Agreement.
The Sudanese first vice-president Bakri Hassan Saleh on Tuesday discussed the same matter with the visiting AU official. He however he said they understand the delay caused by the South Sudanese crisis that erupted in December 2013.
The Sudanese defence minister and the AUHIP chief tackled a number of issues including the activation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism operations (JBVMM) aiming to prevent cross border attacks by rebel attacks.
The minister “stressed the importance of accelerating the activation of the mechanism (JBVMM) and determine the zero line before the opening of border crossings corridors, border trade and the demilitarized border zone between the two countries,” said the rapporteur of the joint security committee from the Sudanese side, Farouk Muaz.
Muaz further said that Mbeki will bring the outcome of his meetings in Khartoum to the South Sudanese officials and will discuss with them the activation of the accords signed with Sudan and the security arrangements particularly.
Following a two-day visit by the former South Sudanese vice-president and rebel leader Riek Machar Juba recently accused Khartoum of supporting his fighters.
On 22 November 2013, the border monitoring operations, carried out by joint teams and UNIFSA monitors have been suspended following the withdrawal of the South Sudanese monitors.
Juba said concerned by the link between the border crossing points and the border zero line, fearing that this temporary centreline would be considered as definitive border between the two countries.
(ST)