Lt Gen Abdel Fattah El Burhan visited Juba, South Sudan, to discuss critical issues affecting bilateral relations amidst ongoing military tensions and economic challenges related to oil transport. This visit follows previous conflicts and highlights El Burhan’s role in the South Sudan Peace Agreement, aiming to address political dynamics and foster stability in the region.
Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah El Burhan, president of Sudan’s Sovereignty Council and commander-in-chief of the Sudanese Armed Forces, made an official visit to Juba, the capital of South Sudan, to engage in discussions pertaining to four significant issues affecting the relations between the two nations. This marks his third visit to South Sudan since the onset of the conflict between the SAF and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in mid-April 2023. He was welcomed at Juba International Airport by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit alongside members of the Sudanese diplomatic mission.
Accompanying El Burhan were prominent officials including the Minister of Energy and Oil, Mohyieddin Naeem, the undersecretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Hussein El Amin, and the director general of the General Intelligence Service, Lt Gen Ahmed Mufaddal. The timing of his visit was notable as it coincides with heightened military tensions between the SAF and RSF along the Sudan-South Sudan border, particularly in oil-rich regions.
Among the pressing issues discussed was the pipeline that transports South Sudanese crude oil to the Bashayer Port. Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, it has relied on this pipeline for oil exports, vital for its economy. Recent halts in crude oil transport due to technical difficulties have resulted in substantial financial losses for both nations, with South Sudan reportedly losing $100 million each month.
Furthermore, the discussions touched upon the political landscape, especially comments made by South Sudanese Vice President Taban Deng Gai about the perceived absence of a functioning government in Sudan. He expressed concern over the status of Abyei, a contested area rich in oil, and criticized the lack of government support amid worsening economic conditions. El Burhan’s visit serves multiple significant purposes, including addressing internal issues within South Sudan such as the recent leadership changes within the South Sudan Opposition Alliance.
El Burhan, having risen to power following a coup against Sudan’s civilian-led government in October 2021, holds a pivotal role amid ongoing negotiations and peace agreements, primarily the revitalized 2018 South Sudan Peace Agreement. As the de facto guarantor of this agreement, his involvement is crucial in maintaining stability and facilitating resolutions to conflicts that arise within South Sudan’s political framework.
The outcomes of these discussions will likely affect not only bilateral relations between Sudan and South Sudan but also the broader regional stability, given the intertwined economic and political circumstances that both countries face.
The article discusses the recent visit of Lt Gen Abdel Fattah El Burhan to South Sudan in light of ongoing conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The visit is contextualized within heightened military confrontations near the border and the implications for oil transport and economic stability for both nations. Furthermore, the internal political dynamics of South Sudan are examined in relation to the peace agreement that Sudan currently guarantees, underscoring the critical need for collaborative governance to address shared challenges. Historical context from Sudan’s separation from South Sudan in 2011 and subsequent economic dependencies on oil revenues informs the urgency of the discussions during El Burhan’s visit.
In conclusion, Lt Gen Abdel Fattah El Burhan’s visit to South Sudan underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement amidst complex challenges. The discussions are crucial in addressing military escalations, economic reliance on oil pipelines, and domestic political dynamics within South Sudan. El Burhan’s role as a guarantor of the peace agreement highlights the interconnectedness of the two nations’ futures, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and collaboration to foster stability in the region.
Original Source: www.dabangasudan.org
