Resolving their differences

South Sudan and Sudan should find a peaceful way to resolve their differences. After a month of fierce fighting, during which both sides sent troops into the other's territory, it is hopeful that the harassed negotiators of the African Union have got the agreement of South Sudan to restart negotiations, just a few days ahead of when African Union and United Nations sanctions would have started if the fighting continued.

The dispute centres on payments for oil exports from South Sudan, which uses pipelines through Sudan. South Sudan has accused Sudan of stealing its crude worth $815 million (Dh2.99 billion), and Sudan has replied that this covered unpaid fees for the use of its export pipelines. South Sudan split peacefully from Sudan last year after decades of bitter civil war, but neither side has much reason to trust the other. As two sovereign states they need to build a new relationship, which at the least should be peaceful.