Oil Resumption to Strengthen Bilateral Ties between Two Countries, Says Sudanese Envoy

By Simon Deng

The Sudanese Deputy Head of Mission to South Sudan, Ambassador Mubarak Mahgoub Musa, said  that the resumption of South Sudan’s oil exports to the international market through Port Sudan—following a year-long shutdown due to a pipeline rupture—will enhance the bilateral relationship between the two countries.

Ambassador Musa emphasized that the return of oil exports will contribute to the robust and growing ties between Sudan and South Sudan.

“We have a friendly and brotherly relationship and coordination with the government of South Sudan. Now, with the resumption of oil, our relations will be as solid and fortified as before. We consider ourselves one people in two nations,” Musa said on Monday during a press briefing in Juba.

Musa indicated that Sudan is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with its South Sudanese counterpart, noting that both countries share a common history and have played active roles in peacebuilding initiatives.

“In fact, we in Sudan and at the embassy are keen to strengthen our relationship with the South Sudanese state. We are eager to enhance our cooperation in all aspects; there is a great opportunity for us to work positively to strengthen our capabilities,” he stated.

Musa mentioned that the recent drone attack in Port Sudan was directed from the east, assuring that the oil infrastructure remains sound and safe from acts of aggression instigated by foreign agents against Sudanese civilian installations.

He also disclosed that three foreign missions, including Uganda, have visited their embassies in Khartoum to resume providing consular services after the Sudanese armed forces took control of the capital.

“Some ambassadors, including the Qatari ambassador, the Saudi ambassador, and even the Ugandan chargé d’affaires, have visited their respective missions in Khartoum to pave the way for the reopening of foreign embassies,” he said.

“Now, Khartoum is safe; all areas of Sudan are secure. The RSF is now cornered in the western part of Sudan, and the Sudanese army is advancing toward this enclave. The government will return and start functioning normally from Khartoum,” he added.

Musa also addressed the circulating rumor on social media that South Sudanese pilot Samson Ohide was killed in an airstrike in Sudan’s Darfur region, stating that this has not been officially confirmed by Sudanese authorities.

“Indeed, it is something reported in the media, but we do not have any confirmed information from the Sudanese authorities. We sincerely do not wish for such events to occur, nor do we want any citizens of South Sudan to be involved in this war,” he remarked.

Musa noted that the war in Sudan has affected the region, particularly the two sister countries, and added that the governments of Sudan and South Sudan are working to strengthen their bilateral relations.

“Our people have suffered from wars and long-term conflict; we are lagging behind in education and health. We must unite to direct our wealth for the benefit of our people and for our health,” he concluded.