The African Union (AU) on Saturday welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Non-Aggression and Cooperation between Sudan and South Sudan.The two neighboring countries on Friday signed «Pact of Non- Aggression» through the mediation of the AU at Sheraton International Hotel in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The two parties have reached the agreement at a Joint Political and Security Mechanism (JPSM) meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and the agreement is said to lessen tension between the two neighboring countries in their disputed border.In the context of the heightened tension between the two countries, Jean Ping, Chairperson of the AU Commission stresses that the speedy and full implementation of the MOU will make a significant contribution to promoting peace and reducing the likelihood of conflict. The MOU includes commitments by the two states to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, to non-interference in the internal affairs of the other state and the rejection of the use of force, as well as a commitment to equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence.The deal was signed by Thomas Douth Guet, Director General of South Sudan’s intelligence bureau, and Mohammed Atta Elmula Abass, Sudan’s Director General of National Intelligence and Security. In addition to the MOU, the agreement has been reached by the two parties to the immediate activation of the Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mission (JBVMM), which would have the task of monitoring the Secure Demilitarized Border Zone (SDBZ) between the two countries and investigate any allegations of violation by the two states. The two states have also agreed to the establishment of mechanisms and procedures to investigate allegations and counter allegations against either state in areas beyond the border.The African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) led by Thabo Mbeki, former president of South Africa, has been brokering negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan. Chairperson of AU Commission has called on the international community to continue providing support to AUHIP as «the next critical phase» has been entered in the relations between the two countries.
