Sudan reopens border with South Sudan

Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir has ordered the reopening of his country’s border with South Sudan.

It is the first time in four years that the border between the two countries will be opened.
The border was closed when relations between the two deteriorated after South Sudan gained independence.

The announcement comes days after South Sudanese troops were ordered to withdraw from the border by some 8 kilometers.

President Bashir ordered the relevant authorities to “take all measures” to ensure the border is reopened.

A South Sudanese government spokesman told the Reuters news agency that the reopening of the border would boost economic ties.

South Sudanese President, Salva Kiir on Tuesday announced the normalisation of relations with Khartoum after President al-Bashir agred to cut the transit fee for oil from South Sudan crossing its territory.