Sudan, South Sudan agreement: what the world thinks

The presidents of Sudan and South Sudan signed a series of agreements regarding border security, oil production and sales and citizenship issues on Thursday, 27 September in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after days of talks. Despite reaching several agreements, it has been confirmed that both parties did not reach a solution concerning Abyei, a disputed region that borders both countries. Chief African Union mediator, Thabo Mbeki, led the negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan. His performance was appraised by several sources. Radio Dabanga collected statements from different sources concerning the deal signed by Omar al-Bashir and Salva Kiir, respectively the presidents of Sudan and South Sudan. SUNA (Sudanese News Agency): Omar al-Bashir affirmed Sudan’s commitment and “keenness” to fully implement all the agreements reached with State of South Sudan. The president added that “the agreement would ease the social and trade contacts between the two countries.” Salva Kiir pledged to continue implementing the Comprehensive Cooperation Agreement in cooperation with the President of Sudan. He also affirmed “his commitment to the engagement of South Sudan delegation in the demarcation of the joint border according to the borders of January, 1956”, indicating that the two parties did not achieve agreement on Abyei issue. United Nations (UN): The UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, “congratulated” both governments for signing the agreements, adding that they “provide vital elements in building a strong foundation for a stable and prosperous future between the two countries.” Ban Ki-moon called on both parties to “find solutions” concerning Abyei and urged both countries to implement the agreements. He expressed the UN’s support to “continue assisting the parties (…) in these endeavours.” The White House: The president of the United States welcomed the “historic agreement” reached between Sudan and South Sudan. He added it “represents substantial progress in resolving the outstanding security and economic issues” between the parties. The US government also expressed its committed to working with both countries “as they implement these agreements” and it is “hopeful that today’s deal can help spur broader progress on resolving the conflict in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile, securing unfettered international humanitarian access in those areas, and bringing peace to Darfur.” European Union (EU): EU’s High Representative Catherine Ashton “warmly” welcomed the agreements signed between Sudan and South Sudan, pointing out “it is now essential for both sides to implement the agreements without delay.” Ashton also stated that “resolving the final status of Abyei is a critical part of the AU Roadmap and UN Security Council Resolution 2046.” She expressed that the EU “stands ready to support the implementation of the signed agreements.”