A major agreement has been made between Sudan’s de facto commander, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir over the restart of critical oil shipments. Despite the continuing fighting in Sudan, these exports—which are vital to South Sudan’s economy—are scheduled to pass via Sudan. The oil industry in South Sudan has suffered greatly during the 17-month civil war in Sudan, but this new development can renew it.
The Oil Industry in South Sudan during the Sudanese Civil War
A landlocked nation whose economy is highly dependent on oil exports, South Sudan, has had its vital exports hampered by the civil war in Sudan. North Sudan was formerly an important transit route for South Sudanese oil exports. Still, the current battle between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has cut off that route.
Damage to critical oil infrastructure from the fighting has made export even more difficult. Nevertheless, there is optimism that oil can resume flow after four months of restoring and reconstructing the damaged infrastructure. Still, a big question is whether the RSF will allow oil exports to resume, as they control much of the land the oil would pass through.
Kiir and Burhan Engage in Important Conversations
Attempts to resolve the concerns that have blocked South Sudan’s oil shipments were discussed on Monday in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, between President Kiir and General Burhan. These talks were an integral aspect of a larger initiative to resolve critical issues impacting both nations and strengthen regional cooperation.
Ramadan Abdalla Goc, the foreign minister of South Sudan, and his Sudanese counterpart had a joint press conference where they both spoke to the media. He emphasized that the two heads of state had had fruitful discussions aimed at promoting stability in the region. Restoring vital oil exports and ending the civil conflict were two issues that the two leaders vowed to address together.
General Burhan has confirmed, as Foreign Minister Goc noted, that Sudanese engineers have finished the technical preparations needed to restart oil production in South Sudan. South Sudanese engineers would reportedly visit Sudan in the next few weeks to check on the readiness of the oil facilities. After this evaluation is complete, a formal statement about the restart of oil flow is expected.
Consequences on the Economy of Oil Export Delays
South Sudan’s economy has taken a major hit due to the protracted interruption of oil exports. The International Crisis Group reports that South Sudan’s income, which is heavily reliant on petrodollars, has taken a major hit. The country’s financial problems have worsened due to the delay in resuming exports, which has made poverty and economic instability even worse.
Restoring South Sudan’s oil export capacity is crucial to stabilizing the nation’s economy, as oil continues to be the principal source of revenue. Recent events between the two nations may herald a start to economic recovery, barring any interference from Sudan’s political and military crises.
Joint Regional and Humanitarian Initiatives
President Kiir and General Burhan spoke about more than just oil exports; they also talked about creating humanitarian corridors. The continuing fighting has had a devastating impact on Sudan, and its acting foreign minister, Hussein Awad, declared that the two presidents had agreed to help bring humanitarian relief to the country.
More aid would go a long way in helping Sudan, which is suffering from a humanitarian crisis and widespread famine as a result of its civil war. The two countries’ goals in reopening these passages are to facilitate collaboration in the pursuit of peace and to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Future Obstacles: How the Rapid Support Forces Will Contribute
The rapid support forces’ participation poses a huge obstacle despite the fact that the agreement between President Kiir and General Burhan is a major improvement. There is still little clarity on the RSF’s position on approving oil exports despite their control over large areas along the pipeline lines.
Transporting oil is a source of worry due to the continuing fighting between the RSF and the Sudanese army. To guarantee a secure and consistent oil flow, both Sudan and South Sudan will have to negotiate these intricacies. To gain the RSF’s cooperation or, if needed, to negotiate alternate routes, diplomatic efforts may be in order.
A Roadmap to Harmony and Financial Security
In addition to reviving oil exports, the agreement between Sudan and South Sudan might help with regional peace-building initiatives. It is clear from their discussions that President Kiir and General Burhan both recognize the need for collaboration to achieve stability in the region.
South Sudan and Sudan are establishing the framework for future peace and prosperity by responding to each other’s economic demands and by aiding one other humanitarian. However, our endeavors can only be fruitful if we triumph over the formidable obstacles provided by the RSF’s influence and the continuing war in Sudan.
In summary
South Sudan and Sudan’s oil shipments have resumed, which is a major step toward regional collaboration and economic recovery. Although all the necessary technological arrangements have been made, there are still political and military obstacles to overcome, especially with regard to the Rapid Support Forces’ function. But there is hope for both countries thanks to the new deal; they will be able to work together to bring stability, peace, and economic revival to their flagging economies. The two Sudanese countries, South Sudan and Sudan are prepared to face the future with hope for a better future thanks to humanitarian assistance and improved diplomatic ties.
