Dr Harry Verhoeven comments on Sudan-South Sudan oil-for-peace deal

Harry Verhoeven held an hour long debate on China Radio International (15 August) with top Chinese and African analysts about the recently-concluded oil deal between Sudan and South Sudan.

In the debate Harry underlined the importance of the agreement between Khartoum and Juba on a transit fee to be paid by the latter to the former for getting Southern Sudanese oil to world markets, thereby reducing tensions between the two countries which had come close to open war between March and May of this year.

He also warned that this deal on oil will not suffice for long-term peace and security for both Sudans in the absence of a comprehensive political settlement of all outstanding issues, including citizenship, the Nile waters, border disputes and security arrangements.

The full debate can be heard here.

Dr Harry Verhoeven is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Department of Politics and International Relations, and Convenor of the Oxford University China-Africa Network. He completed his doctorate on Sudan at Oxford.