(L-R) Mohammed Kemel received by Dr. Barnaba Marial upon arrival at the Juba International Airport [©Gurtong/Waakhe Wudu]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 17th April 2012 [Gurtong]
Upon arrival at the Juba International Airport; received by the South Sudanese government spokesperson Dr. Barnaba Marial Benjamin, Mr. Kemel said that his visit aims to push the two countries for negotiations.
“My visit here is to explore ideas and ways to try reach peaceful resolutions between the two nations; Sudan and South Sudan,” Kemel told the press upon arrival from Khartoum after meeting Sudanese President, Omar Al Bashir.
“We want to see the two countries foster mutual relationships,” he said.
Kemel’s visit is yet another effort to end hostilities between the two countries that intensified last week; whether it will yield positive results is a question to ponder.
Analysts have observed that Egypt’s move in mediating between the two countries may not yield fruits but will assist in the efforts of the African Union.
Egypt’s ability to make any breakthrough in the peace talks might be hampered due to historical aspects between the three nations.
“We do not have a specific proposal yet, my visit here is to listen then try to come up with different ideas,” Kemel said.
“The role of Egypt is crucial and strategic” in mediating any issues between the two countries. “Listening to both countries can give Egypt a milestone or ability to resolve any issue,”
Dr Marial added.
Upon meeting the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Marial told the press in Juba that, “we don’t believe in creating multiple forums for negotiations. Egypt can play a role to intensify the AU efforts.”