Sudan and South Sudan sign non-aggression treaty on disputed border
Baku, February 11 (AZERTAC). Sudan and South Sudan signed a “treaty of non-aggression” on their disputed border Friday in Addis Ababa, where African Union-led negotiations between the two sides are being held.
“The two countries agree to non-aggression and cooperation,” chief negotiator Thabo Mbeki, the former president of South Africa, told reporters.
The deal was signed by the head of South Sudan`s intelligence bureau, Thomas Douth, and Sudan`s director of national intelligence and security, Mohammed Atta.
According to the pact, the two sides agreed to “respect for each other`s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and to “refrain from launching any attack, including bombardment”.
Border tensions have mounted since South Sudan split from Sudan in July, becoming the world`s newest nation.
Negotiations between the two former civil war foes have been marred by eruptions of violence along the border, including in the contested Abyei and Blue Nile states.
Friday`s agreement will also establish a monitoring mechanism where either side can lodge complaints if border disputes erupt.
“In the event that there are complaints or allegations from either side... then they should be appointed to the joint mechanism,” Mbeki added.
Other news in this section
