Sudan says arrangements underway to open South Sudan border

July 8, 2016 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges Mekkawi Mohamed Awad said that security and logistical arrangements are ongoing to carry out the presidential directive to open the border crossings with South Sudan.

The official news agency (SUNA) on Thursday evening quoted Awad as saying that the River Transport Corporation (RTC) reported that Sudan has received 2594 passengers and transferred 3930 tons of cargo to South Sudan during the first three months in 2016.

Last February, President Omer al-Bashir announced the resumption of river transport with the landlocked South Sudan ending a four-year halt decided by Khartoum over security concerns and accusations of support to rebel groups.

In June 2014, Khartoum and Juba signed an agreement to prevent smuggling and regulate the border crossings between the two countries.

On June 5th, the two countries signed a series of security agreements, including immediate re-deployment of joint military forces along the SDBZ, and approved a plan to stop supporting and harbouring rebels as well as open the crossings points.

Over 221.000 South Sudanese moved to Sudan since the eruption of the armed conflict between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and defectors led by his former deputy Riek Machar in December 2013.

South Sudan seceded from Sudan on July 9th 2011 following a referendum on whether the semi-autonomous region should remain a part of the country or become independent. 99% of the southern voters chose independence.

(ST)