Citizens and nomads in the borderlands between Sudan and South Sudan welcomed the decision of Omar el-Bashir President of Sudan to open road crossings and river crossings between the two countries, according to media reports and interviews conducted by Radio Tamazuj.

President Omar Al Bashir’s decision was announced Sunday after a meeting with his ambassador to the south, Mutrif Sadig. In statements carried by state media, Bashir reiterated his country’s commitment to implementation of the cooperation agreements signed 27 September with the newborn country, and also assured that obstacles would be overcome.

According to Sudanese media yesterday, the decision found welcome among the citizens and nomads in the 1800 kilometer long region along the border that is inhabited by approximately 12 million citizens of the two countries linked by historical roots and common interests.

Adok Lual, Director Manager of Joda South, welcomed the decision describing it as a surprise. In an interview with Radio Tamazuj, he stated that it is good and serves the citizens of the border between the two countries.

He pointed out that the decision was unilateral from the Sudanese government’s part, and confirmed the citizens’ welcome of the decision.

Meanwhile the omda Suliman of the Nazee pastoral tribe stated that the border residents share common interests this relation must not be politics which could bring harm to the citizens of the two countries.

Suliman expressed his admiration of President El-Bashir for directing the opening of the border roads to resume practicing grazing, agriculture and trade.

For his part, Ajak Biar Ajak omda of the Dinka Abilang of Upper Nile said that there was astonishment and joy among the citizens in the border when they heard the decision on Sunday from Al Ashrouq television channel.

Ajak said that this decision was welcomed by the people of the two countries and hoped it will be implemented soon taking in consideration the interest of the citizens.