South Sudan Refuses War Over Abyei

South Sudanese President Salva Kiir has said that his country will not go to war with North Sudan over the latter's ongoing effort to ethnically cleanse a disputed district straddling the North-South Sudan border. More here.

South Sudan Prepares for Independence

As independence approaches for South Sudan its problems seem to be mounting with an internal rebellion, plans underway for an expensive new capital, North Sudanese military operations in neighboring Abyei district, and the assassination of one of its ministers being at the forefront. More here.

Increase in North Sudanese Armed Forces in Abyei

Satellite images are tracking a build-up of forces in the North Sudanese district of Abyei, where a referendum on joining an independent South Sudan was blocked by violence. Although the referendum in the district was agreed to by both North and South Sudan, Abyei has significant oil reserves and North Sudan is reluctant to lose it in addition to the substantial South Sudanese reserves. More here.