...Between Sudan and South Sudan. South Sudan, which became independent in July. Although considered its own country, Sudan is still fighting rebels in Blue Nile, South Kordofan & Darfur. Clashes broke out between soldiers of the opposition party (SPLM-North) with links to South Sudan and the government on this past Thursday. Sudan accused South Sudan of aiding and abetting the rebels of the opposition party (with whom they allied with before becoming independent), by sending 25 armed land-cruisers into the Blue Nile region. Naturally, South Sudan denies these charges.
In addition to these claims, "the peace deal between Khartoum [the capital of Sudan] and the South Sudanese rebels signed in 2005 left three notable unresolved problems: the border regions of Abyei, Blue Nile and Southern Kordofan." These disputed lands have caused a great deal of fighting, causing thousands of people to flee into the neighboring country of Ethiopia. The United Nation's refugee agency, UNHCR, claims that the number of people fleeing may have reached up to 20,000 people. "One resident of the capital of Blue Nile state, Damazin, said the town was almost deserted on Saturday afternoon, adding he could hear gunshots nearby."
Who knows when the fighting will truly stop in Sudan and South Sudan. Hopefully the two countries can solve their problems and end their disputes, but it seems that, for now at least, the two countries will continue to have problems. I just hope that those who are displaced by the fighting between the opposition party (and quite possibly South Sudan) and the government are able to go back to their homes without the fear of violence plaguing their lives.
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