The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union expressed grave concern over developments in South Sudan and Sudan on oil talks and called upon both governments to negotiate a final settlement of all transitional financial arrangements.
Jean Ping said such an agreement would benefit the governments and citizens of both countries and the region at large.He urged Juba and Khartoum to reverse unilateral actions with immediate effect.
On Friday, the Government of South Sudan decided to shut down its oil production after Sudan started diverting the crude for domestic refining and international sale.
Dr Ping warned that relationships between the two countries are at breaking point putting in danger the goal of two viable states, friendly and mutually supportive.
The AU said it is confident that the differences between the parties can be bridged through a new proposal the High?Level Implementation Panel is preparing with the support of the international community, including the United Nations, the United States and China.
It announced that IGAD is convening an Extraordinary Summit to support the Panel’s mediation work.