Two Sudans; Promises made and promises broken

The two ruling parties in Sudan and South Sudan have a long record of "promises made and promises broken” whereas they announced last Wednesday their commitment to abide by the UN's resolution on cessation of fighting. Yet there are no signs to date that the escalating tensions between the two countries are abating as both sides are still trading accusations on aggressions, a matter that could subject them to sanctions.

The two sides are supposed to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from engaging in reckless moves. Lack of respect for the resolution of the Security Council does not serve the interests of any of them.

The governments of the two states of Sudan should be aware that such sanctions would affect the two sides which will be an additional burden on their economies that are already being bogged down by the continuing conflicts.

The independence of the two countries on oil should stimulate them to resolve their differences peacefully. Taking into account that most of the oil infrastructure in the region are in Sudan, while more than 70% of oil reserves is located in the south Sudan, therefore any unilateral action will not be in the interest of either of them because the oil is the economic lifeline of both sides, so that going back to resolve differences through negotiation, and finding acceptable solutions and balance for the interests for both parties, will be a test of the wisdom of the leaders of the two countries.

It is vital that the two states respect each other’s sovereignty. Therefore we call on both governments to exercise the maximum restraint with a view to avoiding further escalation of tension, and comply with the UN Security Council resolution of ceasing all hostilities and restart African Union-mediated peace talks.  

The two sides should also stop supporting rebel groups of both countries to avoid such conflicts that are not in the interest of both of them.

We have been repeating in this space that, in order to reach political solutions, the two sides should admit the impact of the oil crisis on the economy of both countries, and then provide significant political concessions. South Sudan, for one, should recant its decision of shutting down oil production, and the government of Sudan should also reconsider its position regarding the oil revenues and the oil transit fees.