April 20, 2023KDN(JUBA) – Salva Kiir urges Sudanese rivals to protect oil pipeline 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 speaking with Sudanese in the conflict about the importance of a ceasefire agreement, which they accepted on Tuesday.” Unfortunately, and as you are all aware, the armed conflict in Khartoum and other parts of the country continues even after the two leaders notified His Excellency the President of their acceptance of the ceasefire proposal. Today, he made another follow-up call, spoke with the two leaders, and requested a cease-fire. They accepted once more, but we don’t know if they’ll keep their word. “This is the challenge,” Benjamin stated.
President Kiir highlighted to the two leaders the need of safeguarding the pipeline that transports oil from South Sudan to foreign markets via Sudan.
South Sudan depends on Sudan to export crude oil, which runs through a pipeline to the Red Sea via Khartoum, where fighting broke out on Saturday.
Petroleum Minister Puot Kang Chol, for his part, has encouraged Sudan’s warring parties to fulfill their moral responsibilities and obligation under international law to protect essential infrastructure in their country.
The minister further assured the public that all facilities in Sudan, including pipelines, pump stations, processing facilities, surface facilities, and export marine terminals, are fully safeguarded and secure.
