Sudan and South Sudan Collaborate to Resolve Oil Export Challenges

Sudan and South Sudan are making efforts to resolve challenges affecting the resumption of South Sudan’s oil exports through Sudan. The discussions between Sudan’s military leadership and South Sudan’s national security advisor highlight the readiness to improve production and ensure oil flows through the Bashayer port. A previous disruption in exports stemmed from a pipeline blockage in Sudan, underlying the critical importance of oil for both nations’ economies amidst ongoing conflict in Sudan.

On October 20, 2023, officials from Sudan and South Sudan underscored the importance of resolving the challenges impeding the resumption of oil exports from South Sudan via Sudan. This assertion was made following a meeting between Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, the Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council and General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces, and South Sudan’s Presidential Advisor on National Security, Tut Gatluak, held in Port Sudan. In his statement, Gatluak communicated that both countries’ technical teams are prepared to enhance production and ensure uninterrupted oil flow through the Sudanese port of Bashayer. He reiterated South Sudan’s commitment to fulfilling agreements made with the Sudanese government, anticipating a follow-up meeting between the respective ministries of energy and petroleum. The significance of oil exports is highlighted as crucial for the livelihoods of the populations in both nations. In March, a halt to South Sudan’s oil exports through Sudan was declared due to a disruption in transportation lines, caused by a blockage in an underground pipeline located in the northern region of Sudan’s White Nile State, an area controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. This meeting followed an earlier discussion held in June, emphasizing the critical nature of oil revenues for South Sudan, which relies heavily on Sudan for the transportation of its oil to international markets. Notably, Sudan has been engulfed in a violent conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces since mid-April 2023, leading to significant loss of life—over 24,850 according to a report by the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project as of October 14, 2023.

The relationship between Sudan and South Sudan is considerably influenced by the dynamics of oil transportation, given that South Sudan’s economy is largely dependent on oil exports, with the majority of these routes passing through Sudan. The two nations, which separated in 2011, have relied on mutual cooperation for oil infrastructure despite their occasional political tensions. Issues such as conflicts in Sudan and disruptions in infrastructure have periodically jeopardized these operations, impacting revenue flow and economic stability in South Sudan. Current efforts to ameliorate transportation issues are particularly pressing as the country attempts to stabilize its economy amid ongoing conflict.

In conclusion, the meeting between Sudanese and South Sudanese officials signifies a pivotal step towards reopening oil exports, which are essential not only for South Sudan’s economy but for regional stability. By addressing logistical obstacles and fostering communication between the two nations, there is potential for both to benefit economically and politically. The oil sector’s revival remains crucial as both nations navigate their complex relations during a time of conflict in Sudan.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw