By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
UN Warns Sudan War Is Crippling South Sudan’s Economy, Fueling Insecurity
The United Nations has warned that the ongoing conflict in Sudan is severely destabilising South Sudan, worsening its fragile economy and increasing insecurity along their shared border.
Speaking before the UN Security Council on Wednesday, Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), said the war between Sudan’s Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has disrupted economic and security ties since fighting broke out in April 2023.
“The conflict continues to affect the security situation in South Sudan, with cross-border movements of armed groups increasing instability around the border area,” Cong said.
He explained that South Sudan’s oil exports through Sudan have faced major interruptions, leading to a 24.5 percent contraction in the economy.
The situation worsened following a series of RSF drone attacks on oil installations, including strikes on fuel depots in Port Sudan and facilities in Heglig, which caused oil spills, environmental damage, and an emergency shutdown of operations.
Cong added that more than 41,000 displaced Sudanese have crossed into South Sudan’s Abyei Administrative Area, straining food, water, healthcare, and shelter resources already in short supply.
On the political front, talks between the two countries over the final status of Abyei have stalled, with both sides claiming ownership of the oil-rich region.
The UN warned that the growing presence of RSF forces in northern Abyei violates existing peace agreements and Security Council resolutions.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, also expressed concern that the conflict has led to the creation of illegal checkpoints in northern Abyei, obstructing peacekeepers and endangering civilians.
She urged both sides to withdraw all armed groups from Abyei, reaffirming its status as a weapons-free zone, and warned that recent budget cuts to UNISFA, the UN peacekeeping mission in the area, could weaken its capacity to protect civilians.
The UN called for renewed diplomatic engagement between Sudan and South Sudan to prevent further regional instability as the economic and humanitarian situation deteriorates across the border.
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