The AU Commission Chairperson Dr. Jean Ping [©fasngo]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 25th January 2012 [Gurtong] - The African Union, (AU) has urged Sudan and South Sudan to reverse their harsh unilateral decisions as the new year 2012 begins, concerned that it may spark sharp differences between the two neighbouring countries.
In a statement circulated yesterday to the press, the AU Chairperson Dr. Jean Ping said the unilateral steps by the two Governments have brought the relationship between Sudan and South Sudan to the point of breakdown, with the immediate danger of destroying the possibility of achieving the agreed goal of two viable States, friendly and mutually supportive.
This latest diplomatic row between the two countries came amid pending unresolved post-independent issues. The AU stated that some major issues remain unresolved, including the final status of Abyei, five disputed areas along the common border, and agreement on oil and transitional financial arrangements.
“The spirit that led to a peaceful referendum one year ago and the amicable separation of South Sudan is fast vanishing; these actions have also taken place at a time when the AU High‐Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) is convening for negotiations on the question of oil and transitional financial arrangements,” the statement read.
“The Chairperson of the Commission calls upon both Governments to halt and reverse their unilateral actions with immediate effect. He calls upon them to remain at the negotiating table and to agree on a final settlement of all issues related to oil and transitional financial arrangements. Such an agreement will be beneficial to the Governments and citizens of South Sudan and Sudan and to the region”
Sudan is accused of stealing South Sudan’s oil of approximately 815million US Dollars. Based on this accusation, the South Sudanese government took an unanimous decision last Friday (20/1/2012) of shutting down operations of oil pipelines transporting oil from the country to Sudan.
The Republic of South Sudan said it will only allow the exploration of its oil using the Sudan pipeline and facilities when Khartoum accepts a fair deal; imposing fair transportation charges (NOT 32.2 US dollars per barrel), closing down a tie-in pipeline designed and meant to divert 120,000 barrels of oil per day among other accusations.
Meanwhile, the AU’s diplomatic call upon the two nations has been widely supported by the United Nations, US and China.