Sudanese President Al-Burhan Visits South Sudan to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan of Sudan is on an official visit to South Sudan to discuss strategies for improving bilateral relations and resuming oil exports. His discussions with President Salva Kiir aim to enhance cooperation amidst significant economic challenges due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has disrupted oil operations.

On December 4, 2024, General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, the President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, embarked on an official visit to Juba, South Sudan. His agenda includes a high-level meeting with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and addressing mutual interests, particularly the resumption of oil exports from South Sudan through Sudan. Al-Burhan’s entourage consists of prominent officials, including the Minister of Energy and Oil, the Undersecretary for Foreign Affairs, and the Director General of the General Intelligence.

During President Kiir’s remarks at the 8th Governors’ Forum, he acknowledged the economic challenges facing South Sudan, exacerbated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has interrupted oil operations. He assured that despite these challenges, efforts are being made to ensure the resumption of oil exportation. Given South Sudan’s landlocked position, it heavily relies on Sudan for facilitating oil transportation to international markets. Since mid-April 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in conflict, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and causing significant displacement, as stated by the United Nations.

The relationship between Sudan and South Sudan is historically complex, stemming from long-standing tensions that culminated in South Sudan’s independence in 2011. The two countries share a vital economic relationship, particularly regarding oil exports. South Sudan, while rich in oil resources, lacks the necessary infrastructure for international exportation as it is landlocked. Hence, it relies on Sudan’s pipelines and ports for access to global markets. The recent conflict in Sudan has severely impacted this critical economic lifeline, prompting urgent discussions on cooperation and resumption of oil operations.

The official visit of General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan to South Sudan is a pivotal step in fostering bilateral relations between Sudan and South Sudan. With the pressing need to restore oil exports amidst Sudan’s ongoing conflict, this dialogue aims to address mutual interests and economic cooperation. President Kiir’s commitment to ensuring oil operation continuity signals both countries’ need to stabilize their economic relations in the face of challenging circumstances.

Original Source: sudantribune.com