On December 4, 2024, Sudanese President Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan visited South Sudan for bilateral talks with President Salva Kiir, focusing on enhancing cooperation and resuming oil exports. The visit addresses the economic challenges faced by South Sudan due to ongoing conflict in Sudan, which started in April 2023. Key discussions were anticipated to alleviate the dual crisis impacting both nations.
On December 4, 2024, General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan, the President of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereignty Council, commenced an official visit to Juba, the capital of South Sudan. His agenda includes crucial discussions with South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, aimed at advancing bilateral relations and exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation between the two nations. Accompanying President Al-Burhan are notable officials, including Dr. Mohi-Eddin Naeem, Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Oil, and General Ahmed Ibrahim Mufaddal, the Director General of General Intelligence.
A significant focus of the talks will be the restoration of oil exports from South Sudan through Sudan, vital for South Sudan’s economy. President Kiir highlighted the tense economic circumstances resulting from conflict in Sudan, asserting that efforts are being made to ensure a resumption of oil operations. He remarked on the dual crises faced by his nation, emphasizing engagement with Sudanese authorities to facilitate access for engineers and ensure a consistent supply of materials to oil fields.
Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since April 15, 2023, amid escalating tensions between General Al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the leader of the paramilitary forces. The ongoing violence has led to catastrophic humanitarian consequences, with numerous casualties and millions displaced. The United Nations describes the situation as the most severe displacement crisis globally, underscoring the urgency for diplomatic efforts such as this visit to stabilize regional relations and support essential economic ties.
The relationship between Sudan and South Sudan is historically complex, primarily shaped by the former’s role in facilitating oil exports for the latter, which is landlocked. Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, securing a stable route for oil transportation has remained paramount for its economy. However, the recent conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted this cooperation, prompting the need for high-level discussions to revitalize bilateral ties and address the challenges posed by ongoing hostilities in Sudan. The geopolitical dynamics of the region further complicate the situation, as South Sudan’s economic stability directly depends on Sudan’s cooperation. The conflict in Sudan, which escalated in 2023, has highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by both nations. With the humanitarian crisis deepening, international attention is drawn toward finding peaceful resolutions and enhancing collaborations between neighboring countries to mitigate the fallout from internal strife.
In conclusion, General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan’s visit to Juba marks a significant effort to strengthen the diplomatic and economic relations between Sudan and South Sudan amid turmoil. The discussions, particularly focused on the resumption of oil exports, are critical for the economic recovery of South Sudan. Both leaders acknowledge the urgent need for cooperation in light of Sudan’s ongoing conflict, which exacerbates the humanitarian situation in the region. The outcomes of this meeting may set the tone for future engagements and cooperation between the two nations.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
