South Sudan army says oil fields under full protection

January 16, 2015 (JUBA) – The South Sudanese army (SPLA) said on Friday it remains in full control of oil fields in both Unity and Upper Nile states, downplaying threats from rebel forces.

SPLA spokesperson Colonel Philip Aguer told reporters on Friday that army troops were providing protection and that the security situation in the area remained stable.

“The oil fields have never been under control of anybody. They have been under full control of the SPLA and the general command assured the oil companies in Adar and Faluj that their protection is 100%,” he said.

According to Aguer recent clashes that erupted between government and rebel troops were taking place far away from the oil fields.

The comments come after South Sudan’s foreign affairs minister, Barnaba Marial Benjamin, provided assurances to his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, earlier this week of the government’s commitment to protecting oil staff and facilities.

“We reassured them (the Chinese) about the safety of personnel who are involved in important economic institutions in the Republic of South Sudan,” Benjamin said on Wednesday following the meeting in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum.

China is the largest investor in South Sudan’s oil industry, the country’s main source of revenue.

Some oil fields have been forced to close and overall output has been significantly reduced since conflict erupted in South Sudan in December 2013 between pro-government and rebel forces.

(ST)