Citizens from western South Kordofan region criticized the insistence of the state authorities in tightening controls on the border between South Sudan as they fear it will have a negative impact on the security situation in the region.

A member of the Popular Defence Force’s (PDF) local youth committee, Abu Ebeida Mohamed Hamdan, speaking to Radio Tamazuj from Babanusa, claimed that a mobilization workshop was organized by the PDF in the area with the aim of reopening the check points with South Sudan.

Hamdan explained that closing the border with South Sudan is of no benefit to citizens locally because western South Kordofan state shares common interests with people in South Sudan.  That is, through trade or shared use of pasture land which are not available without cross-border movement.  The result, he claims will be an economic crisis for South Kordofan.

“The issue will lead to a situation of insecurity as our neighbours, the Misseriya tribes, possess guns in their hands at the border.  They are prevented entry to South Sudan’s territory so illegal movement will occur as they obtain their means of survival travelling to the South, whether in term of animal resources or trade,” Hamdan warned.

Tensions between Sudan and South Sudan have heightened following weeks of reports of troop build-up along both sides of the border in spite an agreement signed late last year committing to demilitarise the area.