Sep 12, 2021 — In recent meeting between Sudan Minister of Defence Hon. Yasin Ibrahim Yasin and the South Sudanese president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, the two leaders agreed to reopen borders which were closed down by the main armed opposition, SPLM/A-IO) under the leadership of Dr. Riek Machar Teny, the current First Vice President.
According to official statement from Salva Kiir’s office, the two leaders agreed to reopen the borders effective from October 1st, 2021; however, it’s remains unclear how the two countries will ensure security especially along the routes that are manned by forces loyal to Machar’s former Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Simon Gatwech Dual.
Addressing the media after meeting president Salva Kiir Hon Yasin Ibrahim Yasin said South Sudan and the Sudan will open their common borders for river and land transport in the near future.
Speaking to the media, South Sudan’s Presidential Advisor on Security Affairs, Hon Tut Gatluak Manime, reiterated that Sudan’s Defence Minister delivered to H.E President Salva Kiir a message of bilateral cooperation and follow-up on the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement from the Chairman of Sudan’s Sovereign Council Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The two Sudans are implementing peace agreements signed in each other’s capital; however, the two deals are witnessing very slow progresses.
The Revitalized peace agreement has returned many opposition leaders to Juba but that didn’t end insecurity along the major highways.
At the time of this meeting, Juba-Nimule highway was temporarily closed down due to insecurity that forced Ugandan and Kenyan truck drivers to protest and lobbied for the Ugandan army, UPDF to be developed in South Sudan to ensure their safety, a request South Sudan swiftly declined.
