Following South Sudan’s secession in July 2011, tensions between Sudan and South Sudan remain. Continued clashes along the shared border and disputes over oil resources, territory and citizenship rights brought the two countries back to the brink of all-out war in April 2012.

The international community has condemned the escalating tensions and called for the resolution of all outstanding issues by 2 August 2012. Outlined in the African Union roadmap of 24 April 2012 and endorsed by the UN Security Council, this united international position on Sudan and South Sudan is not only unprecedented but also represents the most viable way forward for the two countries.

South Sudan seceded from the north to become Africa’s newest country on 9 July 2011, after Southerners voted for their independence in a referendum in January 2011. This referendum was an important condition of the peace agreement that ended a 22-year civil war between North and South in 2005.

Kofi Annan in South Sudan, January 2011. Photo: Deborah Hake | The Carter Center

After gaining independence, South Sudan still faces significant challenges, particularly in relation to internal security and stability. The shutdown of oil production in January 2012 and the consequent loss of revenue has brought the country to the brink of economic collapse and it will need external support to build state institutions and tackle its economic and social development.

Resolving outstanding issues with its northern neighbour, including oil resources, demarcation of borders, citizenship rights and the status of contested areas, is important to allow the South build a viable and sustainable country.

In Sudan, human rights abuses and restrictions on the public sphere continue to be reported. Economic austerity affecting some of Sudan’s poorest communities has led to widespread protests in urban centres around the country.

In South Kordofan and Blue Nile, conflict and massive food shortages have forced more than 200,000 people to flee across the border into South Sudan and Ethiopia and left many more displaced and without basic essentials like food and medicine.

Meanwhile in Darfur, human rights abuses and restrictions on the public sphere continue to be reported. The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court in March 2009 for President Omar Al-Bashir on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide has yet to be enforced.

The Elders believe that the possibility of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between Sudan and South Sudan still exists, and hope to see the leaders of both countries to rebuild the relations reflected in the deep and inter-connected histories of their peoples.