"Egypt-Sudan Border Disputes: Ḥalāʾib Triangle and Biʾr Ṭawīl - Unraveling the Complexities"

 The border between Egypt and Sudan is indeed notable for two disputed areas: the Ḥalāʾib Triangle along the Red Sea and Biʾr Ṭawīl further inland. These areas have been subject to a longstanding territorial dispute between the two countries.

1. Ḥalāʾib Triangle: The Ḥalāʾib Triangle is a region located along the Red Sea coast. It is approximately 20,580 square kilometers in size and is characterized by its arid desert landscape. The triangle is named after the town of Ḥalāʾib, which is located within this disputed territory. The region is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Red Sea, providing access to important maritime routes and resources.

   The dispute over the Ḥalāʾib Triangle dates back to the early 20th century during the colonial period. Both Egypt and Sudan lay historical claims to the territory, citing various agreements and treaties. The issue escalated in the mid-20th century and remains unresolved, leading to occasional tensions between the two countries.

2. Biʾr Ṭawīl: Biʾr Ṭawīl is another border dispute between Egypt and Sudan, located further inland from the Ḥalāʾib Triangle. It is a roughly rectangular-shaped area of about 2,060 square kilometers. The region is uninhabited and largely consists of barren desert.

   The unique aspect of Biʾr Ṭawīl is its status as a terra nullius, meaning "no man's land." It is a result of conflicting border demarcations and historical treaties. Both Egypt and Sudan disclaim sovereignty over this area, primarily due to conflicting interpretations of the border demarcations established during the colonial era.

   The confusion arises from the differing interpretations of the 1899 Anglo-Egyptian Condominium border demarcations, which were meant to define the borders of Egypt and Sudan. Due to inconsistencies in the demarcation process, Biʾr Ṭawīl is the only piece of land left unclaimed by either nation.

Efforts to resolve these border disputes have been made through bilateral discussions and international mediation, but a definitive resolution has yet to be achieved. The ongoing disputes have implications for the sovereignty and control over these strategically located areas, impacting regional relations and resource access.

Ḥalāʾib Triangle: Historical Background: The Ḥalāʾib Triangle was historically part of the Kingdom of Egypt and Sudan under Ottoman rule. During the British colonial era, treaties and agreements were made that established differing interpretations of the border, leading to the current dispute. The 1899 Anglo-Egyptian Condominium agreement defined the border as the 22nd parallel north, but a subsequent treaty in 1902 shifted the border south to the 18th parallel north, placing the Ḥalāʾib Triangle within Egypt's boundaries. Economic Significance: The Ḥalāʾib Triangle holds economic importance due to its access to the Red Sea and its potential for fishing, tourism, and potentially valuable mineral resources. Additionally, the area's proximity to maritime trade routes makes it strategically important for both Egypt and Sudan in terms of trade and security. Impact on Relations: The ongoing dispute over the Ḥalāʾib Triangle has strained diplomatic relations between Egypt and Sudan over the years. Efforts to resolve the issue have been made, including joint committees and negotiations, but a final agreement has remained elusive. The situation periodically escalates, leading to tense exchanges and occasional military deployments to the region. Biʾr Ṭawīl: Unique Status as Terra Nullius: Biʾr Ṭawīl gained attention for being a terra nullius, a piece of land that is not claimed by any recognized sovereign state. This status is due to conflicting interpretations of historical treaties and border demarcations, leaving this area as an unclaimed territory. Geographical Features: Biʾr Ṭawīl is characterized by a harsh desert environment with very limited resources, making it largely uninhabitable. It is located between the Ḥalāʾib Triangle and the border with South Sudan, contributing to its isolation and lack of human settlement. Challenges and Legal Implications: The undefined status of Biʾr Ṭawīl poses challenges for potential development, resource exploitation, and environmental conservation efforts. The lack of clear ownership creates legal and administrative difficulties, making it challenging to address issues such as environmental protection, land use planning, and resource management. Efforts to resolve these border disputes require ongoing dialogue, understanding historical contexts, and potentially seeking international mediation to achieve a fair and lasting resolution. The resolution of these disputes is crucial for maintaining peaceful relations between Egypt and Sudan and fostering regional stability in the Nile River basin.