South Sudan and Sudan have inked an agreement to resume oil production and export. The halt in oil exports, which occurred in February 2024 was due to damage to the Jabelyn-Port Sudan pipeline. This exacerbated economic difficulties in South Sudan, leading to delays in civil servant salaries and political reforms, including voter registration.
The disruption was compounded by the fact that much of the pipeline is located in conflict zones controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), raising questions about the feasibility of a safe resumption of oil exports.
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Fostering peace and stability
This cooperation is crucial for both economies, as South Sudan heavily relies on oil exports for revenue, while Sudan benefits from transit fees through the pipeline that runs from South Sudan to Port Sudan. The broader regional implications of this cooperation are also significant. President Kiir’s efforts to foster peace and stability, including regional initiatives, have been acknowledged by Sudan’s military leader, Gen Burhan. Both countries have also committed to opening humanitarian corridors to aid refugees displaced by the conflict.
Despite the completion of technical preparations by Sudanese engineers, concerns about the safety of the pipeline remain, particularly as parts of it are still in RSF-controlled territory. South Sudan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ramadan Abdalla Mohammed Goc, confirmed that South Sudanese engineers would assess the oil infrastructure before production resumes, indicating a cautious approach.
