Oxfam reaction to end of Sudan / South Sudan talks in Addis Ababa

As crucial talks between Sudan and South Sudan end Oxfam’s South Sudan Country Director Jose Barahona said;

“The Presidents of Sudan and South Sudan have agreed some encouraging steps forward and it is good news that the oil can start to flow again. Poor relations between the two countries have contributed to an economic crisis that has sent inflation soaring and pushed food prices far beyond the reach of ordinary people. Today’s tentative steps forward must not remain words on a piece of paper but now be followed with concrete actions and implementation.

“But the two nations will continue to face an uncertain future until there is agreement on Abyei and the other contested areas, and efforts stepped up to resolve the conflicts in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile. These two states are ravaged by conflict, resulting in over 170,000 refugees fleeing to desperate conditions in South Sudan.  An agreement is urgently needed to bring an end to the fighting so that the refugees can go home, and all efforts should be made to ensure the delivery of assistance to those in need on both sides of the border. Full access must urgently be granted to humanitarian organisations across Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan."

Related links

Crisis in Sudan and South Sudan