[1] Abyei was supposed to have a referendum to determine which country it would be part of, but has been delayed pending discussion of disputes.

Kafia Kingi is a South Sudan sovereign territory according to the authoritative 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement signed by both states, the UN, and Colin Powell representing the US, but has largely been controlled ever since then by Sudanese forces.

Several oil trucks were also briefly held by Sudan but later released saying it was a good faith initiative to lessen tensions.

He also added that relations between the two can and must be fostered:[6] The gains we have made during the previous years that were achieved through a common belief on peace and mutual respect and the implementation of Comprehensive Peace Agreement require that we should protect them through the following: Firstly, through sustainable peace; Secondly, through establishing positive and distinguished neighbourly relations; Thirdly, through common interests by exchanging economic and trade benefits; Fourthly, through preserving the psychological, emotional and social relations between the two peoples.Prior to independence there were also numerous Southern Sudanese, mostly blue collar, workers in the north.

At the time of the referendum there was a split on the issue of partitioning the country amid Sudan's claim that they would have to return or apply for work permits.