(KHARTOUM) – Sudan has asked South Sudan to strengthen border security to prevent alleged cross-border supply routes to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, a senior South Sudanese official said on Monday.
The request was made in Juba by Malik Agar, Deputy Chairman of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council, during discussions with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and Deputy for the Economic Cluster, Dr Benjamin Bol Mel.
The talks also included a Sudanese proposal to raise oil transit fees for South Sudan, the official said on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
“They have introduced a new ‘sovereign fee’ in addition to the existing transit charges, a move clearly intended to generate more revenue,” the official told media.
Regarding the security concerns, the official added: “They allege that the RSF is transporting supplies through our territory to their strongholds in Sudan, specifically in Kordofan and Darfur.”
Officials from both sides provided few public details. South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Monday Semaya Kumba, confirmed that the talks addressed economic cooperation and security issues but did not elaborate further. The Sudanese ambassador also reaffirmed Khartoum’s commitment to deepening bilateral ties without providing specifics.
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the RSF began in April 2023, devastating the capital, triggering widespread ethnic violence, and generating the world’s largest displacement crisis. South Sudan has played a role as a regional mediator in efforts to stabilise Sudan and prevent further escalation of cross-border conflict.
