Kiir urges Sudanese rivals to protect oil pineline

April 20, 2023 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir has urged rival leaders in Sudan to protect oil pipelines that transport crude oil to international markets.

Presidential Affairs Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin announced on Thursday that President Kiir had a follow-up discussion with rival leaders in the Sudanese conflict. He asked them to accept a ceasefire agreement and to instruct fighters under their control to protect oil pipelines.

“Kiir has been talking to the Sudanese in the conflict about the need for a ceasefire agreement which they accepted on Tuesday. Sadly, and as you all know, the fighting continues in Khartoum and other parts of the country even after the two leaders have assured His Excellency the President of their acceptance of the ceasefire proposal. Today, he made another follow-up and talked to the two leaders, and asked for a ceasefire. They again accepted but we do not know whether they will keep their word. This is the challenge,” said Benjamin

President Kiir emphasized to the two leaders the need to protect the pipeline that exports oil from South Sudan to the international markets through Sudan.

South Sudan relies on Sudan to export its crude oil, which travels through a pipeline to the Red Sea via Khartoum where fighting erupted on Saturday.

For his part, Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol has urged the warring parties in Sudan to fulfil their moral responsibility and obligation of providing protection of critical infrastructure in their country under international law.

The minister also assured the public that all facilities such as pipelines, pump stations, processing facilities, surface facilities, and export marine terminals in Sudan are well protected and safe from any damage.

(ST)