The border between Sudan and South Sudan has been re-opened, the Minister of Information in Upper Nile state has said.

The border was closed in 2012 following confrontations between the SPLA and SAF over Heglig oilfields controversy. Heglig is a contested area, alongside Abyei.

This is in line with the implementation of the Cooperation agreement signed by both countries in 2012.

Daniel Yhor says the move will ease movement of goods and people between the two countries.

Mr. Yhor says people crossing the border will only be required to identify their nationality.

“Between Sudan and South Sudan and Upper Nile state at Renk border in particular, there is free movement; people are free to go Sudan or to Republic of South Sudan,” he stated.

The border between Sudan and South Sudan had been closed for several years. Traders have been calling on both governments to re-open it to ease movement of their commodities.