On December 4, 2024, Sudan’s President Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan visited South Sudan for crucial talks with President Salva Kiir. The discussions focused on advancing bilateral relations and addressing the resumption of oil exports, critical for South Sudan’s economy. Amid ongoing conflict in Sudan, this visit underscores the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
On December 4, 2024, Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council President, General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, embarked on an official visit to Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Accompanied by key officials including the Minister of Energy and Oil, Dr. Mohi-Eddin Naeem, and Ambassador Hussein al-Amin from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Al-Burhan is set to engage in pivotal discussions with South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir. The agenda is focused on advancing bilateral relations, enhancing cooperation, and addressing mutual interests, primarily concerning the resumption of South Sudan’s oil exports through Sudan.
During a recent Governors’ Forum, President Kiir acknowledged the significant economic hurdles faced by South Sudan, amplified by the cessation of oil operations following the conflict that erupted in Sudan in April 2023. He emphasized his commitment to collaborating with Sudanese authorities to ensure that access for engineers and essential materials to the oil fields remains uninterrupted. This cooperation is vital, considering South Sudan’s reliance on Sudan for the transport of its oil to international markets.
Since the conflict escalated in mid-April last year, arising from power struggles between General Al-Burhan and paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo, Sudan has been embroiled in violence, resulting in immense human suffering. The ongoing crisis has led to a staggering displacement situation, deemed by the United Nations as the world’s most severe.
The relationship between Sudan and South Sudan is significantly framed by South Sudan’s reliance on Sudan for the export of its oil. Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the two nations have navigated complex dynamics characterized by shared historical ties and recurrent conflicts. The recent instability in Sudan, ignited in April 2023 due to internal power struggles, has further complicated these ties, impacting the critical oil export sector essential for South Sudan’s economy. The discussions between President Al-Burhan and President Kiir are geared towards restoring normalcy in oil operations, crucial for South Sudan’s economic recovery.
In conclusion, President Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan’s visit to South Sudan highlights the pressing need for renewed cooperation between the two countries amidst ongoing challenges. The discussions are expected to address not only the operational resumption of oil exports but also broader relations that have been strained due to conflict and economic difficulties. The outcome of these bilateral talks is pivotal for stabilizing both nations, particularly as South Sudan endeavors to overcome its current economic obstacles in light of the crisis in neighboring Sudan.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
