AFRICA/SOUTH SUDAN - The tension between Sudan and South Sudan threatens to escalate into open war

Juba (Agenzia Fides) - South Sudan does not intend to withdraw its troops from the disputed oil-rich area of Heglig, subtracted from the hands of soldiers in Khartoum on April 10. This is what south Sudan President, Salva Kiir said today, in front of the Parliament in Juba. Hegligl, in Sudanese territory, is one of the areas on the border between the two Countries that are disputed by the governments of Juba and Khartoum. Another area is that of Abyei, which is currently occupied by the military of Khartoum. Kiir has threatened to send its troops if the UN does not force the Sudanese government to withdraw its military. Both places are important centers of oil extraction.
Southern Sudan also denounced the bombing on behalf of aircraft from Khartoum to Bentiu, the capital of southern Sudan's Unity.
Tension between Sudan and South Sudan increases with the risk that the fighting in recent weeks is close to open warfare. The Parliaments of both States have urged their people to prepare for a conflict of ample proportions. Meanwhile the two Countries continue to rearm. According to the website "Sudan Tribune", citing the Kenyan newspaper "The Star", some Chinese armored vehicles destined for South Sudan landed in Mombasa (in Kenya). China is in a very delicate, because the oil South Sudan buys must transit through the territory of Sudan in order to board it to Asia. Beijing maintains good relations with both Khartoum and Juba and has tried to mediate between the two parties on the dispute concerning the duties for the use of Sudanese oil. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 12/4/2012)