Sudan, South Sudan to reopen borders after 11 years

Over the weekend, Sudan and South Sudan engaged in extensive talks and candid discussions on all aspects and fields of cooperation that saw the two countries agree to open their borders after 11 years. The official launch will take place on the first of October 2021 by the two parties. The borders were closed in 2011 when relations deteriorated after South Sudan seceded following a long civil war, taking with it three quarters of the country's oil and hitting traders and communities on both sides of the disputed line. Parek Maduot, Assistant Professor at the University of Juba, discussed the significance of these talks and the potential impact of reopening the borders in a recent interview with CNBC Africa. According to Maduot, the key theme of the discussions between Sudan and South Sudan revolved around resolving long-standing issues and building a more cooperative relationship moving forward. The Assistant Professor highlighted three key points from the interview: - The historic signing of the Juba Peace Accord, which aimed to address conflicts within Sudan and improve relations between the two countries. - The importance of reopening the borders to boost trade and economic development in both Sudan and South Sudan. - The need for both countries to address outstanding issues such as border demarcation and the status of the disputed Abyei region to ensure long-term stability in the region. Maduot emphasized that while reopening the borders and facilitating trade is a crucial first step, resolving these outstanding post-independence issues will be essential for building trust and fostering a sustainable relationship between Sudan and South Sudan. Overall, the recent talks between the two countries mark a significant milestone in their diplomatic relations and offer hope for a brighter future of cooperation and economic growth in the region.