The war between rival militaries in Sudan has interrupted encouraging signs of dialogue between Sudan and neighbouring South Sudan and “effectively put on hold” talks over disputed Abyei, senior UN officials told the Security Council on Monday. “With the conflict in Sudan, the conditions are not conducive for talks on the final status of Abyei. “Key Sudanese and South Sudanese leaders have not expressed the desire to engage on these topics,” she added. The Abyei area, which is rich in oil resources, straddles the border between Sudan and South Sudan, and is claimed by both sides. The Security Council first authorized a peacekeeping force there in June 2011, a few weeks before South Sudan became the world’s youngest independent nation.

Source: The North Africa Journal November 07, 2023 07:40 UTC