Sudan’s political crisis may disrupt oil exportation: South Sudan
October 22, 2021 (JUBA)- The South Sudanese government said Friday that protests in Sudan might affect the flow of oil to Port Sudan, and disrupt production in oil fields.
Presidential Affairs Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin told the Sudan Tribune on Friday that diplomatic efforts have been escalated to ensure the safe follow of oil through the Sudanese territory to the international market without interruption.
Benjamin said the political developments could lead to the closure of oil terminals on the Red Sea port in eastern Sudan.
“You might have heard what happened last month when the protests by the local communities (Hadandawa) disrupted the flow of the oil through Port Sudan where we export our oil. If this happens, it will have serious economic percussions on the two countries,” said Benjamin.
The minister added that Kiir was making all necessary contacts with Sudanese officials to ensure a continuous flow of the South Sudanese oil to the international markets.
South Sudan relies on neighbouring Sudan’s infrastructure to transport its crude for export.
One of the Beja tribal groups, since last September, has blocked roads to Khartoum and closed access to the terminals on the Red Sea to press the government to cancel a peace agreement signed in Juba with two groups from eastern Sudan.
The Hadandwa claim they had been excluded from the agreement and call for talks with them, not the minority groups. They now call to remove the transitional government.
Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth last month expressed a similar concern, citing activities by the Beja tribal group at port Sudan.
“The government of Sudan declared the situation in Port Sudan as a force majeure, and efforts are underway to have this issue resolved so that our oil can flow,” said Lueth.
The tribal group has accepted to not disrupt the exportation of the South Sudanese oil, and some other commodities and medicines, after shutting down the terminal for two days.
(ST)