Historic Peace Accord Signed Between Sudan and South Sudan, Ending Decades of Border Disputes

Leaders from Sudan and South Sudan have signed a landmark peace agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on November 12, 2025, according to a report by Reuters. This accord aims to resolve long-standing border demarcation issues and resource-sharing disputes that have fueled tension for years.

The African Union (AU) successfully brokered this significant agreement, underscoring its commitment to regional stability and conflict resolution, Reuters reported. The signing ceremony marked a pivotal moment after extensive diplomatic efforts to bring both nations to the negotiating table.

The primary objectives of the accord are to foster greater economic cooperation between the two nations and enhance regional stability, as stated by Reuters. This move is anticipated to unlock new pathways for mutual development and reduce historical animosities.

The two nations have been embroiled in disputes over their shared border and the equitable distribution of oil revenues since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, as detailed by Britannica. These issues have frequently led to military confrontations and economic blockades, hindering progress.

Numerous attempts at peace and cooperation agreements have been made in the past, including the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and subsequent oil-sharing deals, according to csis. However, full implementation and lasting resolution have often remained elusive due to various complexities.

The African Union has consistently played a crucial mediation role in the complex relationship between Sudan and South Sudan, as highlighted by Africanews and other sources. The organization has often deployed high-level teams to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue between the estranged neighbors.

This new agreement is expected to pave the way for a more stable and prosperous future for both countries, Reuters indicated. It represents a renewed commitment from both leaderships to overcome historical grievances through diplomacy and collaborative efforts.

• Historical Context of Border and Resource Disputes: The roots of the conflict trace back to South Sudan's secession from Sudan in 2011, following decades of civil war, as noted by Britannica. Key flashpoints have included the oil-rich Abyei region and areas like Heglig, which saw a brief war in 2012 over its control and oil infrastructure, according to wikipedia. These disputes are deeply intertwined with ethnic divisions and political complications, as discussed by a study on civil war in South Sudan.

• Complexities of Oil Revenue Sharing: Oil revenues are critical to both economies, with South Sudan possessing most of the oil fields but relying on Sudan's pipelines for export, as reported by energynews.pro and CSIS. Previous agreements, like the 2005 CPA, aimed for a 50-50 split of oil revenues, but implementation was often stalled by boundary disputes and lack of transparency, csis stated. The 2012 agreement regulated specific transit and processing fees, Energynews.pro detailed.

• African Union's Persistent Mediation Efforts: The African Union has been a consistent force in mediating conflicts in the region, deploying its Panel of the Wise and high-level teams to address crises, africanews reported in March 2025. Their involvement extends beyond bilateral border issues to internal political instability within South Sudan, aiming to uphold peace agreements like the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), as noted by Chatham House.

• Economic and Social Implications: The resolution of these disputes is expected to significantly boost economic cooperation, potentially leading to joint infrastructure projects and increased trade, Reuters indicated. Historically, unresolved issues and conflicts have severely hampered economic development and led to massive displacement and humanitarian crises in both nations, as highlighted by ReliefWeb. Stable oil flows are vital for both economies, Energynews.pro emphasized.

• Previous Agreements and Their Shortcomings: Prior to this accord, the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) ended a two-decade civil war and laid the groundwork for South Sudan's independence, Britannica explained. However, its wealth-sharing components faced slow implementation and disputes over boundaries, according to csis. Subsequent agreements, including those in 2012, attempted to address oil transit fees and border issues but often left long-standing grievances unresolved, Beyond Intractability noted.

• Challenges to Implementation and Future Steps: Despite the signing, successful implementation will require sustained political will and commitment from both sides. The UN Security Council heard in February 2025 about challenges like low political will and a trust deficit hindering peace agreement implementation in South Sudan, according to a UN press release. Establishing joint security mechanisms and economic committees, as seen in past oil infrastructure agreements, will be crucial for monitoring and enforcement, energynews.pro reported.

• Impact on Regional Stability: This peace accord is a critical step towards enhancing broader regional stability, particularly given the ongoing civil war in Sudan which has created the world's largest displacement crisis, reliefweb reported in July 2025. Resolving bilateral issues between Sudan and South Sudan can reduce spillover effects and allow for greater focus on internal challenges and humanitarian needs across the Horn of Africa, contributing to a more peaceful environment.