Sudanese President Gen. Al-Burhan Engages in Bilateral Talks in South Sudan
Sudanese President Gen. Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan is visiting South Sudan for discussions with President Salva Kiir. The talks focus on enhancing bilateral relations and resuming South Sudan’s oil exports through Sudan, which have faced interruptions due to ongoing conflict in Sudan since April 2023.
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. He is set to engage in critical discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, focusing on enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation between the two nations, particularly regarding issues of mutual significance. Among the delegation accompanying Al-Burhan are key figures such as Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Oil, Dr. Mohi-Eddin Naeem, and the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hussein al-Amin.
A primary agenda point for the talks is the resumption of South Sudan’s oil exports through Sudan, which have been hampered by the ongoing conflict that erupted in Sudan in mid-April 2023. President Kiir has acknowledged the economic difficulties faced by South Sudan but remains committed to facilitating the return of oil production and transportation. In remarks made at the conclusion of the recent Governors’ Forum, he stated, “We are facing a dual crisis [after] operations were interrupted by the conflict in Sudan. I am fully engaged with our brothers in Sudan to ensure unfettered access for engineers and a steady flow of materials to the oil fields.”
This bilateral engagement comes at a critical time, as South Sudan, a landlocked nation, relies on Sudanese territory for access to international oil markets. Since the onset of the conflict in Sudan, which has led to significant humanitarian challenges, including thousands of deaths and millions of displacements, both nations recognize the necessity of collaboration to mitigate the adverse effects on their economies.
The political landscape between Sudan and South Sudan has been historically complex, primarily due to their shared border and intertwined economies, especially concerning oil exports. South Sudan, which achieved independence from Sudan in 2011, is rich in oil reserves but lacks the infrastructure to transport it directly to international markets, making cooperation with Sudan essential for its economy. The ongoing conflict in Sudan, stemming from power struggles involving military leadership, has greatly impacted bilateral relations and the broader stability of the region, underscoring the urgent need for cooperation.
In summary, General Abdel-Fattah Al-Burhan’s visit to South Sudan highlights the crucial efforts to strengthen bilateral ties amidst challenging circumstances. The discussions with President Salva Kiir aim to address pressing issues, notably the resumption of oil exports, which is vital for the economic well-being of both nations. The ongoing conflict in Sudan poses significant obstacles, yet the leaders appear committed to finding solutions that foster mutual growth and stability in the region.
Original Source: sudantribune.com
