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MANYA COUNTY - 17 Jun 2013

Border residents ‘fearful’ of oscillating Khartoum – Juba mood

Multiple civilians residing along the Sudan-South Sudan border say they fear the oscillating relationship between Khartoum and Juba may lead to renewed tensions in the area. They cited how the latest events led Sudan to halt agreements with the South and shut-down the oil pipeline.

A source told Radio Tamazuj that the situation on the border areas had been stable, “especially among traders and nomads”, since Sudan and South Sudan signed a Cooperation Agreement last September in Ethiopia.

“However, conditions may soon derail if border trade stops. In addition, we worry that transients between the two countries may be harassed by border authorities of the North and White Nile states and other provinces bordering South Sudan.”

Civilians stressed their fears became worse after news about the reinforcement of forces between the border of both countries.

The commissioner of Manya County, Al Taiyeb Ajak, confirmed that residents of border areas are “greatly concerned” about the declining relations between the two countries. He attributed the current situation to statements made by Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir concerning shutting down the oil pipeline from South Sudan.

“Abolishing the cooperation agreement and shutting down oil has created great panic among the citizens in the border as they know that there are misunderstandings between South Sudan and Sudan. The President of Sudan issued a resolution that does not benefit the two sides.

“The resolution was unfair, as more people say, because we can’t say something today and come tomorrow with another opinion,” the commissioner said.

File photo: Presidents Kiir and Bashir (gurtong.net)