Sudan allows aid to rebel-held border areas

South Suda refugees

flickr- DFID - UK Depar...

Sudan allows aid into two rebel-held border states where civilians suffer famine due to months-long fighting between South Sudan and Sudan.

The move comes after the two countries reached a deal over oil transit payments in early August. It can be seen as first step to ending the conflict that brought the two countries close to war in April. 

As part of the deal, which had been brokered by the African Union, Sudan agreed to cease fire in some rebel-held areas. The aid will be distributed under strict supervision of the Sudanese security forces. 

Despite the settlement over the oil dispute, there are many more issues, such as frontier and security problems, which remain unresolved a year after South Sudan seceded from Sudan.