After being closed for more than 10 years, the border between Sudan and South Sudan is due to reopen on Friday 1 October, following an agreement signed last August between the two governments. A ceremony in the presence of the authorities of both countries is scheduled on the occasion.
A total of 7 crossing points are expected to open along the 2,000 km long border, allowing the free movement of goods and people.
The border between the two countries has been officially closed since 2011 due to a territorial dispute. At the time, South Sudan had just gained its independence. Khartoum and Juba are fighting for control of several oil-rich border regions, including the Abiye region. And they deploy their armies in the region. Over the years, relations between the two countries have improved. The border has become more porous, allowing local people to move back and forth to make purchases or to graze livestock.
Sudan and South Sudan also allowed the resumption of South Sudanese oil exports through pipelines that cross Sudanese territory. But this situation remained uncertain.