It's time for Sudanese leaders to co-operate

NAIROBI: A fortnight ago, Southern Sudanese commemorated the 10th anniversary of the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) that ended fighting between the Sudan government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA).

The CPA paved the way for the people of South Sudan to create their own country in the self-determination referendum held in January 2011. The relations between Sudan and South Sudan has witnessed ups and downs throughout the last 10 years. Now it may be useful to reflect on the relations between the two countries and their future.

The most important lesson learnt in the past 10 years is that in spite of the past grievances and the challenges that faced the implementation of some provisions in the CPA, as well as the difficulties that currently slow the pace of relations between Sudan and South Sudan, it has increasingly become evident that the two neighbours are interdependent economically, politically and security-wise.

This means they have no option but to co-operate. There are many factors that make co-operation between the two countries inevitable.

There is efficient transport infrastructure linking Sudan and South Sudan such as river transport and the railway line that links Wau to Port Sudan. Utilising them would reduce transport and insurance costs substantially.

They can play a positive role in lowering prices in South Sudan, especially in the northern states. This is very important as inflation is currently wreaking havoc in that region.

It will help to reduce the inflation rate, improve standards of living and boost economic growth. The good infrastructure can facilitate the importation of materials needed for rehabilitation and reconstruction in the war-affected states.

On the other hand, Sudan would benefit from finding export markets and increasing its foreign currency earnings. Sudan is a pivotal partner in the humanitarian operations in South Sudan.

This was evident in the agreement made to allow transportation of goods for humanitarian assistance to South Sudan through Sudanese territories signed by the two countries and the World Food Programme in July 2014.

The agreement opened the way for the ferrying of such goods to the most affected population in South Sudan. The last rainy season in Sudan was one of the best in the last 30 years.

There is a big surplus of agricultural products, especially cereals, that can be used in this humanitarian operation.

At a time when international oil prices are falling, the two countries find that their oil revenues, which is the backbone of their economies, are declining due do this drop.

The conflict in South Sudan had stopped oil production in December 2013 and affected production in the Upper Nile fields. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that oil prices will continue to plummet in 2015.

This means the two neighbours need to co-operate in order to restart oil production in Unity State and increase production in the Upper Nile fields. Increasing oil production is important in offsetting the decline in oil prices.

In the near future, the two neighbours are expected to be faced with the daunting task of post-conflict reconstruction, rehabilitation and development. Huge financial resources will be needed.

The last thing the two countries should do is drain their meagre resources in military expenditure at the expense of social and economic development.

Normalising relations between the two countries will help to sustain peace and stability. Rebels will find that negotiation is the only way to achieve their goals. Those who think of rebelling against their government will be deprived of support from the other state.

Sudan can provide an additional gateway to her southern neighbour through the use of Port Sudan for exports and imports. This will help the economy of the nascent state substantially.

Currently, the only town in South Sudan that has an efficient 24-hour power supply is Renk in Upper Nile State because it is linked to Sudan's national power grid. This vital service can be extended to other parts of South Sudan.

This would be of great help to the young nation. The fact that more than half a million South Sudanese moved to Sudan after civil war erupted in their country is strong evidence of the especial relations between the two countries.

Currently, there are more than 60,000 South Sudanese studying in Khartoum schools and universities. This strong social bond truly reflects the relations between the two peoples.

Implementing all the agreements included in the Co-operation Agreement signed in 2012 is crucial in building trust between the two neighbours. This trust will pave the way for new avenues of co-operation.