South Sudan’s vital oil exports are poised to resume following a significant agreement reached between President Salva Kiir and Sudan’s de facto leader, Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The meeting took place in Juba on Monday, marking a crucial step toward revitalizing South Sudan’s oil industry, which has been severely impacted by Sudan’s ongoing 17-month civil war.
The two leaders discussed the necessary repairs to infrastructure that would enable oil production to flow again, with an estimated four months of work required. However, the situation remains complex, as the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, currently engaged in conflict with the Sudanese army, control much of the territory through which the oil exports would need to pass.
At a joint press conference, South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Ramadan Abdalla Goc emphasized the importance of fostering regional peace and stability through “constructive dialogue and cooperation.” He noted that Gen Burhan confirmed to President Kiir that Sudanese engineers have completed the technical preparations needed for the resumption of oil production.
In the coming weeks, South Sudanese engineers are expected to visit Sudan to assess the readiness of the facilities. An official announcement regarding the resumption of oil flow will follow this assessment.
The ongoing civil war in Sudan has significantly hindered South Sudan’s economy, depriving it of essential revenue from oil exports, which are the government’s primary source of income, according to the International Crisis Group.
Additionally, Sudan’s acting Foreign Minister Hussein Awad stated that the two leaders agreed to reopen humanitarian corridors between their nations to facilitate the delivery of much-needed assistance to Sudan.
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