Government dismisses UN Panel of Experts Report on Alleged Fuel Transportation to RSF in Sudan

By Benjamin Takpiny

The Government of South Sudan on Monday dismissed the UN Panel of Experts Report on Alleged Fuel Transportation to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan hereby categorically refute the flagrant allegations made by the UN Panel of Experts report concerning the alleged use of South Sudan’s territory to transport fuel weekly to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan,” it said in a statement issued in Juba.

The UN report leaked on Friday, last week claims that fuel is transported on a weekly basis from Juba to Wau in Western Bhar El Ghazal state before it is transported from Raja on civilian vehicles such as Land cruisers to RSF-controlled areas in South Darfur.

“It is important to note that since the eruption of conflict in the sisterly Republic of Sudan on April 15th, 2023, the Government of the Republic of South Sudan has maintained a position of neutrality and has kept its borders open,” it said.

The ministry said that Juba’s commitment to peace and stability in the region remains unwavering, adding that President Salva Kiir Mayardit has consistently called upon the Sudanese parties to observe the ceasefire and create a conducive atmosphere for the cessation of hostilities.

“We caution against the detrimental effects of baseless allegations, such as those raised by the UN Panel of Experts. Such allegations do not contribute to problem-solving but rather jeopardize the peace efforts that the Government of the Republic of South Sudan has undertaken to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Sudan,” it said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation emphasized that the Government of the Republic of South Sudan remains vigilant in ensuring that its genuine open-door policy is not exploited for any unlawful activities. 

“We urge all stakeholders to exercise caution and rely on verified information when assessing the situation; the government reaffirms its commitment to peace and stability in the region and remains committed to working collaboratively with international partners to achieve these shared objectives,” it noted.

It added that South Sudan stands ready to assist regional efforts, including mediation and providing support to alleviate the suffering of Sudanese refugees who have fled the conflict.

Sudan has witnessed deadly armed clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) under Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Khartoum and other areas since April 15, 2023, with the two sides accusing each other of initiating the conflict.