We believe these significant negotiations were advanced through the presentation of new proposals that warranted careful consideration by both sides. We note in particular a detailed proposal by the GOSS that put forth a financial contribution to help the GOS reduce its financial gap after South Sudan’s secession. We support the governments’ agreement to reconvene on December 20. We strongly urge both states to finalize as soon as possible a broader, sustainable agreement that encompasses outstanding petroleum sector and financial issues.
We further reiterate our strong commitment to working with both governments to reach an agreement on other outstanding post-CPA issues. We urge both governments to immediately implement agreed security arrangements on Abyei and the border. The withdrawal of all GoS and GoSS armed forces from Abyei, the establishment of the Abyei Area Administration, and the convening of the Abyei Joint Oversight Committee in Abyei are of highest priority and any obstacles to these objectives should be resolved quickly. Swift resolution of these outstanding issues will advance security and prosperity for citizens of both countries. We further call on the parties to refrain from any destabilizing actions or inflammatory language that might jeopardize the relations between both states and the progress made to date.
We commend the efforts of the AUHIP in facilitating these negotiations and wholeheartedly support the AUHIP’s continued engagement. We encourage other international stakeholders to play a positive role in engaging directly with both Sudan and South Sudan to help peacefully resolve outstanding issues and work toward the development of two viable states at peace with one another.
We strongly support the AU Peace and Security Council’s call for the AUHIP to continue to prioritize democratization in both Sudan and South Sudan as a sine qua non for stability and equitable governance, bearing in mind the diversity that characterizes both countries.