Princeton Lyman, special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, argues that the leaders of Sudan and South Sudan have “laid out a visionary path for the future of their countries” after approving “a series of groundbreaking agreements on security, financial, nationality and other issues.”

To implement these agreements, “the two states need to put in place the agreed-upon demilitarized border zone that will reduce the danger of armed clashes.” Secondly, they need to restart oil production, “which will allow South Sudan to enjoy the profits of its own sovereign resources and Sudan to benefit economically through fees.” These negotiations “ease Sudan’s loss of 70 percent of its oil reserves when South Sudan became independent” and also ensure that the South will have the economic resources to continue nation building.

“Perhaps even more exciting is the prospect for lucrative trade at the borders,” explains Lyman who believes that cross-border trade “could provide economic gains that rival or even exceed oil exports.” The agreement of a “soft border will preserve traditional and nomadic ways of live” and “will make it possible for border communities to become places of shared investment and not flashpoints for conflict.”

These agreements have left two issues unresolved: “a process for determining the final status of disputed border and claimed areas, and for the disputed region of Abyei.” Lyman also notes that Sudan has continued to violate international norms , bombing civilian areas in Southern Kordofan, Blue Nile and Darfur and that South Sudan “continues to struggle with its own internal challenges” such as human rights issues and “managing internal conflict in places like Jonglei province.”

“But in taking the long view, Sudan and South Sudan have taken a chance on each other in hopes of ushering in a new era of collaboration and mutual benefit.” While both countries still face considerable challenges, “these agreements are the best chance for the Sudanese and South Sudanese to know the peace for which they have long yearned.”