Sudan threatens to close border with the South

Sudan has threatened to close its border with South Sudan if authorities in the South do not expel groups opposed to Sudanese authorities.

Sudanese officials are accusing their southern neighbour of hosting groups which contribute to the worsening situation in Darfur, the Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

During a recent visit to Sudan, South Sudan’s new vice President, Taban Deng Gai, assured Juba that the rebel groups will be expelled in three weeks. One month later, Deng Gai’s promise has not been fulfilled.

Apart from threats to close the border, Sudanese officials are also threatening to stop humanitarian assistance to the south.

The new wave of tension comes eight months after Omar al-Bashir’s decision to reopen the border with South Sudan.

The two countries had demilitarised their respective border positions.

Since gaining independence in 1956, Sudan has been witnessing a series of civil wars caused by political, economic, religious and cultural marginalisation.

Efforts towards peace were made after a comprehensive peace deal signed in 2005 which facilitated the independence of South Sudan in 2011.

The deal was not implemented in some areas giving room for continuous conflict in Sudan.