(JUBA) – The United Nations has warned that the ongoing conflict in Sudan is placing severe pressure on South Sudan’s economy, oil industry and border security. The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has disrupted the long and porous border shared by both countries and strained diplomatic relations.
Speaking to the UN Security Council, Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to South Sudan, said the situation has led to an increase in the movement of armed groups across the border. He noted that these movements have created uncertainty and insecurity in communities living near the frontier areas.
Mr Cong said the conflict has had a serious impact on South Sudan’s oil exports, which rely on pipelines and processing facilities located in Sudan. Disruptions to transport and storage have contributed to what he described as a 24.5 percent contraction of South Sudan’s economy. As oil remains the main source of government revenue, the reduction has affected public finance and essential services.
He noted several incidents targeting oil facilities. In May 2024, drone strikes were launched against fuel depots storing South Sudan’s crude in Port Sudan. In August, oil facilities in Heglig, near the border, were also attacked. These events caused oil spills, environmental damage and forced emergency shutdowns of operations.
The long standing dispute over Abyei, an area rich in natural resources and claimed by both Sudan and South Sudan, has also been affected. Mr Cong said discussions on the final status of Abyei have stalled since the Sudan conflict began. Meanwhile, more than 41,000 people displaced by the fighting in Sudan have crossed into Abyei, increasing pressure on limited water, food, health and shelter services.
The UN expressed concern over the presence of the Rapid Support Forces in parts of northern Abyei. Their deployment is seen as a violation of a 2011 agreement that requires the area to remain free of weapons and military forces. The UN also reported that illegal checkpoints have been established, restricting movement and trade, and forcing peacekeepers to intervene where necessary.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, Assistant Secretary General for Africa, said the political process between Sudan and South Sudan on Abyei and wider border issues remains stalled. She called for all armed groups to withdraw from the area to maintain its demilitarised status.
Ms Pobee added that the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei is facing a 15 percent budget reduction. She said the cut will affect the mission’s ability to provide security, support humanitarian operations and respond to new displacement.
Communities living in the border regions continue to face rising food prices, limited access to services and a higher risk of violence. Humanitarian agencies warn that the situation may worsen without improved access and cooperation between Juba and Khartoum.
For South Sudan, the conflict in Sudan has reinforced long standing challenges in maintaining trade routes, protecting oil infrastructure and supporting vulnerable populations. Peace and stability in Sudan remain central to South Sudan’s economic future and regional engagement.
UN Reports Cargo Disruptions and Oil Damage
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Main Context | The conflict in Sudan between SAF and RSF continues, spreading effects into South Sudan. |
| Economic Impact on South Sudan | Oil exports disrupted, causing an estimated 24.5% contraction in the economy. |
| Oil Infrastructure Incidents | RSF attacks on fuel depots in Port Sudan (May) and oil facilities in Heglig (August), causing spills and shutdowns. |
| Border Security Situation | Increased movement of armed groups across the Sudan–South Sudan border, creating insecurity in border regions. |
| Displacement | Around 41,000 people displaced from Sudan have entered Abyei since the conflict began. |
| Humanitarian Pressure | Water, food, shelter, healthcare and humanitarian support stretched in Abyei and border areas. |
| Abyei Status | Talks on Abyei’s final status stalled since conflict began; presence of RSF in northern Abyei viewed as violation of 2011 arrangements. |
| UN Statement Highlights | Calls for withdrawal of armed groups from Abyei and renewed diplomatic engagement between Khartoum and Juba. |
| UN Mission Constraints | UNISFA facing 15% budget reduction, affecting personnel and operations. |
| Broader Concern | Regional stability at risk unless both sides secure border areas and protect oil facilities. |
