Long before the separation of north and south in July 2011, the region that is today Sudan and South Sudan teetered towards chaos. From civil war and internal disintegration, to poverty and brutal slaughters, this land has longed for - and lacked - leadership and compromise to maintain peace.
But in recent days Sudan's president, Omar Al Bashir, has bucked past trends. Early last week he released political prisoners and simultaneously called on political forces to engage in a national dialogue. And, yesterday, he paid a historic visit to South Sudan. Speaking in Juba alongside his southern counterpart, Salva Kiir, Mr Al Bashir also ordered his country to open its border with the south.
These moves, while they must be taken with a pinch of salt considering the depth of animosity between the two nations, indicate that Mr Al Bashir is at least comprehending that some change is necessary. However, the opposition's media have cast doubts over the credibility of these moves, especially the laws restricting freedom of expression and the government's recent shunning of popular protests that demanded change. The opposition rightly points out that presidential decree must be backed by practical steps towards change.
Even so, the symbolism of Mr Al Bashir's visit to Juba must not be discounted. Mr Al Bashir vows to boost relations with Juba and ensure peace. Juba still views Khartoum with suspicion but the visit will hopefully ease tensions, especially as it coincides with a number of steps to solve outstanding disputes. In August last year, the two countries signed an agreement to resume oil flow. Earlier, in February, they signed a non-aggression pact to avoid escalation over border disputes.
Steps towards normalisation of relations are welcome, and there are many issues to be resolved. Apart from border and oil disputes, the two Sudans need to address such matters as a legal framework that guarantees citizenship rights, especially for tribes on the border. Disagreements over citizenship, trade and borders have derailed other peace initiatives, notably between Eritrea and Ethiopia shortly after their separation in 1993. Thousands died in the ensuring violence before a shaky peace deal was inked in 2000.
Sudan and South Sudan can avoid a similar fate. But both sides must work harder to ensure that recent gains are lasting.
