Sudan and Ethiopia agree joint border protection

Sudanese and Ethiopian defence ministers have agreed to continue joint security operations along the border areas, at the eighth meeting of the Joint Security Committee. Sudanese Defence Minister Abdel Rahim Mohammed Hussein emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries in the field of security, which has expanded to include sharing expertise, information, training and military education facilities. The minister also spoke about the excellent impact of joint border patrols on peace and security in the region. Meanwhile, former Blue Nile governor and military expert Major General Hassan Hamdeen Suleiman has told Arabstoday that the officials met after Sudan People's Liberation Movement - North (SPLM – N) intensified its attacks in Blue Nile state, which shares a short border with Ethiopia. Suleiman said the rebellion comes from within Sudanese territories and not Ethiopia, as was the case during the war with South Sudan. Highlighting the problem of mixed loyalties among border tribes, the former Blue Nile governor said it is important to coordinate security with Ethiopia and remain on alert for possible breaches in the area. He also said Ethiopia is keen to avoid security issues along its border with Sudan. Suleiman revealed that former Blue Nile governor, Malik Agar, is attempting to take control over the city of Karmak, once a rebel base before the signing of the Cooperation Agreement with South Sudan. "The military balance does not favour the People's Movement, despite their claims," he concluded. Pro-government Popular Defence Forces announced Tuesday they are preparing their forces to back the Sudanese army in defending Blue Nile's borders. The head of the Blue Nile Emergency Supreme Committee, Mohammed Suleiman Godabi, said training for security forces will be ramped up in preparation for any SPLM-N plots to destabilise the state.