UN raises concern over economic crisis in both Sudans

The UN has raised its concern over the worsening economic crisis in both Sudan and South Sudan, caused by the non-implementation of the agreements made between both countries last September in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The UN Humanitarian Affairs Agency in Sudan has indicated in its periodic report, which was issued on Sunday, that the failure to implement the agreements have caused increasing inflation rates and reduced the exchange rate of the Sudanese pound. The report expressed concern that the rising food prices already caused serious consequences for the Sudanese citizens, especially among the lower income range.Lastly, the report claimed that the non-implementation of the agreements also had its impact on thousands of Sudanese herdsmen, who have not been able to cross the border to South Sudan. This has especially affected the Rizeigat tribe in South Darfur as well as the disputed area of Abyei. The Humanitarian Affairs Agency fears the situation might lead to conflict and inter-tribal violence due to the limited resources.File photo: The AUHIP meets with Sudan and Souh Sudan Nationality cluster members, Addis Ababa, 7 September 2012