Sudan and South Sudan agree to end tension

Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir and his South Sudan counterpart Salva Kiir Mayardit have signed new agreements to end tensions between their countries.

Kiir concluded a two-day visit to Sudan, during which he held talks with Al-Bashir on outstanding issues between the two countries.

Al-Bashir said the two had strong political will to implement previous agreements and those signed during this visit.

“We are convinced that the best option for people is to cooperate, having lived through a difficult period in which we have paid a heavy price,” he said.

The two presidents reiterated their commitment to stop supporting military and political opposition against each other.

Read: Sudan to open humanitarian corridor to deliver aid to South Sudan

“We have tried to support the Chadian, Ethiopian and Eritrean opposition, and the result has been a depletion of resources and lack of security,” Bashir said.

The two presidents signed a joint statement which included the acceleration of joint cooperation agreements, forming a border commission, forming political consultation committees and allowing humanitarian aid to passage through to South Sudan.

Economically, the two countries agreed to relaunch operations in oil fields affected by the conflict and war, settle outstanding debts and support South Sudan’s private sector.

According to the statement, Juba agreed, for the first time, to pay debts owed to Khartoum.

December 31 was set as the date to implement the agreements.