Khartoum to facilitate oil transit in South Sudan amid regional conflict

(MENAFN) In a recent development, Khartoum has reaffirmed its commitment to aiding the resumption of South Sudan's oil transit through Sudanese territory. This critical transit route had been disrupted due to ongoing hostilities between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary "Rapid Support" forces. Since mid-April 2023, clashes led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Muhammad Hamdan Dagalo (commonly known as Hemedti) have ravaged the region, resulting in a devastating toll of approximately 15,000 fatalities and displacing around 8.5 million individuals, as reported by the United Nations.

Against this backdrop of conflict, efforts to restore stability and facilitate economic activities have gained momentum. On a recent Sunday, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, serving both as the head of the Transitional Sovereignty Council and the leader of the Sudanese army, convened a significant meeting in Port Sudan on the Red Sea's eastern shores. The meeting saw the participation of Tut Qalwak, advisor to South Sudan President Salva Kiir Mayardit, reflecting a collaborative approach to address shared concerns and chart a path forward.

During the meeting, Al-Burhan received a "written message" from President Salva Kiir Mayardit, underscoring the importance of bilateral relations and exploring avenues for their enhancement. Of particular focus was the issue of South Sudan's oil transit, which has been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict within Sudanese territories. Qalwak emphasized that the southern oil transportation line, crucial for South Sudan's economic lifeline, has suffered disruptions due to the military operations occurring in the pipeline's vicinity.

The acknowledgment of these challenges and the commitment to addressing them underscore the regional significance of stabilizing the transit of South Sudan's oil through Sudanese territories. As stakeholders engage in diplomatic dialogue and collaborative efforts, there is hope for mitigating the adverse effects of conflict on vital economic lifelines, fostering regional cooperation, and advancing towards sustainable peace and prosperity. 

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