In a bid to stabilise their oil-dependent economies, Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council Chairman, Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, met on Sunday with South Sudan’s Presidential Advisor on National Security, Tut Gatluak, to address the resumption of South Sudan’s oil transportation through Sudanese territories. The discussions come as ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a suspension of this critical economic activity.
Gatluak conveyed the urgency of the situation, highlighting the severe impact of the war on the oil transportation line. “South Sudan’s oil transportation line has been affected by the war in Sudan, and it is currently suspended due to the continued military operations at the areas alongside the line,” he stated, according to a sovereign council release. The advisor further noted that the two nations have agreed to convene a meeting between their respective oil ministries to explore viable solutions to this pressing issue. “Oil constitutes a lifeline for the citizens of both countries,” he added, underscoring the importance of resuming operations.
Additionally, Gatluak delivered a written message from South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit to Chairman Al-Burhan, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The suspension of South Sudan’s oil exports was first announced by the Sudanese government in March. The disruption was attributed to a fault in the transportation lines, specifically a blockage in an underground pipeline. This area, located north of Sudan’s White Nile State, is currently under the control of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, exacerbating the challenge of repairing and maintaining the infrastructure.
The export of oil remains South Sudan’s primary source of national revenue, making the country highly dependent on Sudan for transporting oil to international markets. The prolonged suspension has had detrimental effects on South Sudan’s economy, intensifying the urgency for a resolution.
As both nations grapple with internal and external pressures, the upcoming talks between their oil ministries are seen as a critical step towards mitigating the economic fallout from the conflict and re-establishing a steady flow of oil exports.
The international community watches closely as Sudan and South Sudan navigate these complex challenges, with hopes that diplomatic engagement will lead to a sustainable and peaceful resolution, benefitting the citizens of both nations.
