UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon on Wednesday said that he is concerned about growing political tensions in Sudan and South Sudan. “On Sudan and South Sudan, the situation is increasingly complex and dangerous,” he said. Ban’s statement came as he addressed reporters following his meeting behind closed doors with the UN Security Council. South Sudan has recently experienced violence between ethnic groups in Jonglei state that have a history of fighting over cattle and resources. Ban said that the UN is monitoring the current tensions “with grave concern.” “The mission on the ground will continue to do its part but I call again on the international community to give us the support we need, chiefly helicopters and transport,” he said. Ban said that a “breakdown in trust” between Sudan and South Sudan is hampering the delivery of assistance to many people who are food insecure or fleeing conflict. “I am also deeply concerned about the lack of progress in negotiations on post-independence issues,” Ban said. “The unilateral decisions taken by both governments over their oil dispute and their increasingly hostile rhetoric could easily escalate militarily.” South Sudan broke away from Khartoum officially in July 2011, after the holding of an independence referendum that was mandated by the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), signed to end the civil war between north and south in 2005. However, several outstanding issues remain between the two nations, including oil and borders. The two parties are scheduled to resume talks on Feb. 10. “I call on the parties to recommit to these negotiations and reach agreements on all outstanding issues,” said Ban. “The moment has come for both heads of state to display once again the leadership that brought them to amicably agree on the cessation and to make the necessary compromise that will guarantee a peaceful and prosperous future for both nations.”
