South Sudan offers to mediate Sudan ceasefire
May 9, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudan on Friday reiterated its offer to mediate a ceasefire between warring parties in Sudan, citing deep concern over recent drone attacks that have disrupted aid and risk worsening a humanitarian crisis.
The attacks since Sunday have caused damage and disrupted humanitarian flights delivering essential supplies, raising fears the situation could escalate in a country already struggling for stability.
South Sudan’s Finance Minister Marial Dongrin Ater and the central bank governor briefed President Salva Kiir on the situation. They assured him that South Sudan’s crude oil exports, which transit Sudan via Port Sudan, remain unaffected despite rumors circulating on social media, Ater said.
“The meeting with the president of the republic was to brief him after a trip to the United States of America to attend meetings with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group,” Ater said. “It was also an opportunity to brief him on the current developing situation in Sudan… We have assured the president about the safety of our oil.”
Ater emphasized South Sudan’s commitment to regional peace efforts, stating, “For us in South Sudan, a peaceful Sudan is a peaceful South Sudan, considering the interdependencies between our countries.”
The minister noted that President Kiir has repeatedly offered to mediate a ceasefire to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid and for civilians to return to their homes.
“Despite the ongoing conflict, there is still an opportunity to move forward and secure a ceasefire to address the urgent humanitarian needs,” Ater said in a statement broadcast by the state-owned South Sudan Broadcasting Corporation on Thursday. “The president has not stopped offering to mediate. He is one of the leaders in the region who can mediate because of his knowledge and relations with the leaders in the conflict. He also understands the context of the issues.”
South Sudanese leaders are concerned that hostilities at the Port Sudan maritime terminal could affect the delivery of its oil to international markets. Oil is a key source of revenue for South Sudan, which is crucial for its budget and financial obligations.