The ad hoc committee for borders demarcation between Sudan and South Sudan has started its work on the ground by visiting the common borders of the two countries.
Reliable source confirmed that the committee, virtually begun to identify three points at Heglig-Bentiu, Jau- Joda and Renk to identify the ‘Zero Line; in accordance with the African Union Roadmap.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj yesterday from Bentiu town in Unity State, South Sudan’s representative in the committee, James Kun, confirmed that, the field visit was aimed at identifying the interim points of the ‘Zero Line’ in order to open the crossing points between the two Sudans.
Kun, also revealed that the African committee will proceed to Upper Nile State to complete its task.
South Sudan’s representative also confirmed that confrontations between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) erupted yesterday for some time at the oil producing Heglig area. He attributed the reason to drilling in the proposed demilitarised zone, carried out by the SAF.
“The SPLA forces heard a sound of digging in the demilitarised zone. We decided to send a patrol to report on what is going in the borders. Our team found that the SAF were drilling oil wells. A minor clash took place between our patrol and the Sudanese army,” Kun confirmed.
File photo: Oil pipeline in South Sudan (UN video)