Sudan announced yesterday it was putting on hold nine deals it has signed with its neighbour, South Sudan. This follows President Omar al-Bashir's order on Saturday to close the pipeline carrying South Sudanese crude oil to export. Sudan has repeatedly accused Juba of supporting rebels responsible for attacks in border regions, a claim that South Sudan denies.Omer Ismail, a Sudanese academic and senior advisor to the US-based Enough Project, says this new crisis could lead to disaster for both countries if not handled rapidly by the international community.
