Sudan And South Sudan Agree To Strengthen Border Security

Khartoum, August 13, 2026 - Sudan and South Sudan agreed to strengthen border security, prevent cross-border infiltration and avoid unilateral actions in the disputed Abyei region after high-level defence talks in Juba. The meeting revived the Joint Political and Security Mechanism, co-chaired by the two countries' defence ministers, after a suspension following the outbreak of Sudan's war in April 2023.

Delegations included defence, intelligence, diplomatic and police officials. The neighbours share a nearly 1,800 km border that remains undemarcated in several strategic areas, including Abyei, Hofra En Nahas and Jebel al-Meqinis. Both sides agreed to deny armed groups safe haven, protect oil pipelines carrying South Sudanese crude to export terminals in Port Sudan and address the presence of South Sudanese mercenaries in Sudan's conflict.

The understandings also included activating the Abyei Protocol, creating a joint civilian administration and preserving the status quo in the oil-rich territory. For investors, the agreement is relevant to oil export continuity, border stability and the risk of Sudan's war disrupting South Sudan's main revenue stream.