Link to article: https://allafrica.com/stories/202411060014.html
The war between Sudan and South Sudan is growing worse and worse, specifically in the region of Abyei. The region is rich in oil resources and sits on the border between the two countries, both claiming ownership to it. It is said that the war continues to have a profound effect on security, economic, and humanitarian situations in both countries. Since the power struggle between the two countries, Abyei and neighboring countries have struggled with oil production and refugee arrivals. These challenges have led specifically South SUdan to greatly struggle because of its already-dwindled resources. The UN Interim Security Force is continuing to foster dialogue in an effort to reduce tensions. Dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan regarding Abyei and the border continues to stall.
This article discusses the serious and detrimental conflict between two countries: Sudan and South Sudan. Border disputes are typically hard ones to settle, and especially since South Sudan broke off of Sudan. The region of Abyei is rich in resources, and both Sudan and South Sudan are not particularly wealthy. Whichever one gets ownership of the region will be much more well-off. This leads me to believe this conflict could continue on for years and years. Both countries’ economies and militaries will be drained further and further from the conflict, leading me to believe the countries don’t have bright years to look to ahead. The article is important because it can be a cautionary tale to other countries about what border disputes look like.
It is in both of the country’s national interest to own the region of Abyei. As it has oil, it would be a very profitable piece of land. This is an example of the collected goods problem. How could you let Abyei benefit both countries monetarily? That is what the UN Interim Security Force is attempting to do – help solve the issue of who gets the collectively good thing. Both countries are trying to use dominance to get the other country to listen to them, but it is not working. They should use reciprocity to help reduce the conflict between their countries.