Jubba (Sunatimes) South Sudan has finally allowed people of Somali origin to enter its territory after a two week row that threatened trade and diplomatic relationship with the newest African state, Daily Nation has reported.

Hundreds of traders and truck drivers who have been camping at the Nadapal border, some 30 kilometers from Lokichoggio town were on Thursday allowed access to Juba after new regulations barring members of Somali origin were relaxed, says the paper.

“Somalis of Kenyan origin can now freely enter Southern Sudan after and transact their businesses,” said Patrick Muriira, Turkana West District Commissioner.

They are however required to produce their national identity cards or passports to prove that they are Kenyans.

According to the Daily Nation, Traders who have been barred from entering South Sudan said they have been forced to incur extra costs by hiring non-Somali drivers to transport their commodities to the country in order to sustain their businesses.

By Siham Mohamud