The resumption comes after a shutdown caused by a pipeline rupture in Sudan during the conflict between the Sudanese army (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April last year, which displaced millions and triggered a famine.
According to a letter dated March 16, 2024, the rupture occurred in RSF-controlled territory near the frontline in White Nile State after BAPCO-operated pump stations ran out of fuel due to nearby military operations.
Sudan’s acting Energy Minister, Mohyeldin Naeem, attributed the pipeline rupture to a “gelling incident” in March 2024.
The state broadcaster, SSBC, announced that the damaged pipeline section had been repaired.
Pipeline repairs restore exports
Mohamed Lino, a technical adviser at South Sudan’s Ministry of Petroleum, welcomed the resumption, stating, “This is good news because we’ve faced difficulties since last year due to the loss of crude oil flow.”
The repair followed negotiations between the Sudanese government, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), and various foreign stakeholders that control the territory through which the pipeline passes.
Notably, Oil exports via Sudan’s pipeline are crucial for South Sudan, generating 90% of its foreign exchange earnings, with Sudan earning transit fees.
Reports indicated that South Sudan had been sending between 100,000 to 150,000 barrels of crude oil daily to Sudan for export.
Analysts say the pipeline damage led to environmental contamination and rising food prices, worsening the region’s severe hunger crisis.
