Francis Deng, SS Permanent Sec to the UN attends a UNSC session - July 2013

The UN Security Council is currently sitting to discuss the tense relations between South Sudan and Sudan.

Security Council members are considering ways in which both South Sudan and Sudan can be encouraged to work towards mutual cooperation.

“The South Sudan – Sudan consultations are likely to focus on recent tensions between the two countries and efforts to resolve them,” reads a UN briefing note.

The recent trip of Vice President Doctor Riek Machar to Khartoum will also be discussed.

The Security Council will also debate how to avert a shutdown of oil, by studying a letter written by Sudan to the African Union, stating that it would not shut down the oil if South Sudan stopped its alleged harboring and support of Sudanese rebels.

The Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism along the South Sudan – Sudan border is also on the agenda.

The United Nations Mission mandate in South Sudan is expected to be renewed in the UN Security Council’s meeting.

The draft resolution, renewing the mandate of UNMISS was first circulated to the wider Council last week.

“In general, it seems that the negotiations were not contentious, although there some differences which required compromises that are reflected in the final text.”