The Elders welcome commitment towards peace by Sudan and South Sudan, after the two countries reached agreements on oil, trade, a demilitarised buffer zone, and protections for the welfare and safety of their people. They urge leaders of both nations to build on the momentum by resolving the remaining issues.

They urge Khartoum and Juba to resolve outstanding issues and recommit to building two viable states

Concluding a five-day visit to the region, Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson call on President Salva Kiir of South Sudan and President Omar al-Bashir of Sudan to meet as soon as possible to break the current cycle of mistrust.

“Dialogue is the only way to resolve differences and to build two viable states; military force is a dead-end, promising nothing but suffering and misery” – Desmond Tutu

In a meeting today with President Salva Kiir, and as South Sudan prepares to celebrate its first year of independence, the Elders emphasise the importance of building trust between Sudan and South Sudan.

Press Conference in Juba on Friday 6 July
Press Conference in Khartoum on Tuesday 10 July

Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and Mary Robinson visit Ethiopia, South Sudan and Sudan to support the African Union-led peace talks and to draw attention to the growing refugee crisis in the border regions.

“Building confidence and constructive relations between Sudan and South Sudan is urgent” – Jimmy Carter

Two members of The Elders, former US President Jimmy Carter and former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi, met President Omar Al-Bashir in Khartoum today as part of a two-stage visit to support peace efforts in Sudan and South Sudan.

Only dialogue can avoid another humanitarian catastrophe

Following recent clashes along the border between Sudan and South Sudan, The Elders have warned of a potential humanitarian crisis and called on the two leaders to return to dialogue.

As the people and government of South Sudan prepare for their country's official secession and independence from Sudan on 9 July, The Elders send their congratulations to President Salva Kiir Mayardit.

One month after the people of South Sudan voted for secession in an historic referendum, The Elders praise Sudanese leaders for the smooth and orderly conduct of the vote while emphasising that North and South Sudan must work together in the coming months to resolve outstanding issues and address significant development, governance and human rights challenges.

As 3.9 million people across South Sudan prepare to vote in a referendum on self-determination beginning this Sunday, The Elders have urged international and Sudanese officials to respect the rights of all voters - whatever the outcome.

With one month to go until South Sudan votes on whether to secede from the North, The Elders call for a peaceful, timely and credible referendum and urge the international community to engage with all parties to prevent possible violence, both during referendum and in the coming months.