Sudan and South Sudan are working to overcome obstacles affecting the resumption of oil exports from South Sudan through Sudanese territory. A meeting took place in Port Sudan between leaders from both nations, emphasizing the importance of oil as a vital economic lifeline. Following previous suspensions of exports due to a fault in transportation lines, both countries are preparing to meet again to discuss technical improvements. The ongoing conflict in Sudan adds urgency to these negotiations, which are crucial for South Sudan’s financial stability.
On October 20, 2023, discussions between Sudan and South Sudan underscored the critical need to overcome challenges impeding the resumption of oil exports from South Sudan via Sudanese territory. These discussions followed a meeting in Port Sudan between Major General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and Mr. Tut Gatluak, Presidential Advisor on National Security for South Sudan. According to Mr. Gatluak, all technical teams from both nations are prepared to enhance oil production and ensure its transport through the Bashayer port in Sudan. Mr. Gatluak emphasized South Sudan’s commitment to fulfilling agreements made with the Sudanese government, and he indicated that a joint meeting of the energy and petroleum ministries from both countries is forthcoming. He noted the pivotal role oil plays as an economic lifeline for both nations. This collaborative effort comes in the wake of Sudan’s suspension of South Sudan’s oil exports due to a fault in the transportation infrastructure, attributed to a blockage in an underground pipeline located in northern Sudan’s White Nile State, an area currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This meeting is a continuation of prior discussions that were held in early June, highlighting the ongoing efforts to restore the oil export pathway, which is vital for South Sudan’s economy. The recent conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023, has profoundly impacted the region, leading to substantial casualties and further complicating existing logistical challenges. With an economic reliance on oil as the primary source of national revenue, South Sudan relies heavily on Sudan to access international markets.
The context of this dialogue between Sudan and South Sudan is rooted in the complex challenges both nations face regarding oil transportation, a crucial economic component for South Sudan. Oil exports are essential for the national budget, and the infrastructure for transporting this oil primarily passes through Sudan. The conflict that erupted in Sudan between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has further complicated the existing issues surrounding oil transportation, making it vital for both governments to find a resolution to the hindrances to export. Prior negotiations and meetings have underscored the mutual interest in re-establishing this trade route, essential not only for revenue generation but also for stability in the region.
The recent discussions between Sudan and South Sudan signify a concerted effort to resolve ongoing challenges related to oil exports, which are critical for the economies of both countries. As both nations prepare for further technical meetings, the focus remains on restoring a reliable oil transportation infrastructure amid a backdrop of regional conflict. The successful resumption of oil exports will not only benefit South Sudan’s economy but also contribute to stability in a region beset by strife.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
