Date: Friday, 12 July 2024
July 12, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan raised concerns on Friday that the escalating conflict in neighbouring Sudan could spill over its borders, citing increased fighting near the border and the potential for further destabilization.
James Odhok Oyay, the governor of Upper Nile State, told Sudan Tribune that while the security situation within the state is currently under control, the ongoing conflict in Sudan’s Sennar and West Kordofan states has caused a surge of displaced people seeking refuge in South Sudan’s border areas.
“The influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan is putting a strain on local resources,” Oyay explained. “These people need water, shelter, and food, adding to our existing humanitarian challenges.”
Concerns have also been raised by authorities in other border states, such as Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Unity State, and the Ruweng administrative area, who fear the potential consequences of the conflict spreading. However, military and security sources have downplayed concerns about fighting extending into the crucial Heglig oilfield, citing agreements with both the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and oil operating companies to avoid damaging infrastructure.
South Sudan, which relies heavily on oil exports through Sudan, has already seen its economy impacted by the conflict. Despite assurances from Sudan’s energy minister in June that repairs to damaged pipelines would be completed soon, the ongoing conflict continues to disrupt the flow of vital revenue.
The Heglig oilfield, situated on the border between the two countries, remains under Sudanese army control. The RSF, which rebelled against the Sudanese army and ruling military in mid-2023, now controls most of West Kordofan.
Efforts are underway to repair a crucial pipeline responsible for transporting 60% of South Sudan’s crude oil. The pipeline’s breakdown in February 2024 significantly disrupted the country’s finances, exacerbating the economic situation and causing a sharp decline in the value of the national currency.
Sudan’s Minister of Energy and Oil, Mohieddin Mohamed Naem Mohamed Saed, expressed optimism during a recent visit to the Nile River State, stating that repairs were nearing 80% completion. The general manager of BAPCO, the pipeline operator, reiterated their commitment to working around the clock to complete the repairs and restore the vital economic lifeline between the two countries.
*Oil spills onto the ground from an oil well head in South Sudan, March 3, 2012. (Reuters photo)
