South Sudan Roundup: Cross-border project, Ruto’s visit, hunger and cholera outbreaks

South Sudan signs crude oil deal with RSF

The South Sudan government has reached an agreement with Sudan's paramilitary group, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), to restore operations along a critical 237-kilometre segment of the Greater Nile Oil Pipeline. This collaboration is pivotal, enabling the export of South Sudan's crude oil to the Port of Sudan. Historically, this pipeline facilitated the transport of more than 150,000 barrels of oil daily. However, it had ceased operations due to armed conflicts, resulting in severe economic repercussions—most notably, public salaries have gone unpaid for ten months, and prices for essential goods have surged. A recent joint workshop has confirmed plans for oil flow resumption; operations are anticipated to resume within 45 days, with initial shipments projected to arrive in three months. 

Ethiopia grants $738 million loan to South Sudan for major cross-broader project

Ethiopia has granted a $738 million loan to South Sudan to facilitate the construction of a major cross-border infrastructure project—a 220-kilometre road connecting the two nations. The terms stipulate that loan repayment will be sourced from South Sudan's crude oil sales to Ethiopia, effectively binding economic cooperation to infrastructural development. This initiative aligns with a prior agreement established in May 2024 and aims to bolster connectivity between South Sudan's Paloich, Maiwut, and Pagak regions and the Ethiopian border. The construction will be managed by Ethiopian contractors and includes a grace period of four years, followed by a ten-year repayment schedule. 

Kenyan president Ruto to visit South Sudan

Kenyan President William Ruto is scheduled to visit South Sudan to engage in critical discussions with President Salva Kiir concerning the Tumaini Initiative. This initiative is designed to facilitate peace talks between the South Sudan government and opposition factions that have yet to sign the peace agreement. This diplomatic mission comes in response to President Kiir’s request for Kenya to spearhead mediation, succeeding the Community of Sant’Egidio's previous role in Rome. The Presidential Press Secretary, Lily Martin Manyiel Ayuel, has underscored the importance of this visit in reaffirming Kiir’s commitment to the Tumaini Initiative amidst speculation of its potential abandonment. A prior meeting between Ruto and South Sudan officials addressed concerns regarding the initiative’s operational mechanisms, suggesting it should serve as a complement to the 2018 Peace Agreement rather than serve as a replacement, although acceptance of these terms by the opposition remains uncertain.

South Sudan grapples with hunger and cholera outbreaks

South Sudan is currently grappling with an acute humanitarian crisis characterised by escalating rates of hunger and cholera outbreaks. UN agencies, including the World Food Programme (WFP), World Health Organisation (WHO), and UNICEF, have called for heightened international support, noting that over half the population faces crisis-level hunger. Factors impeding aid include limited funding, geographical obstacles to isolated communities, and high food prices, exacerbated by economic instability and ongoing conflict. Moreover, the influx of refugees from Sudan, combined with severe flooding, has destroyed agricultural yields and displaced significant segments of the population. Currently, the WFP’s outreach has only reached 38% of those in dire need, often necessitating the provision of half-rations.

US embassy in South Sudan advocates for press freedom

The US embassy in South Sudan has highlighted the necessity of protecting journalists from harassment and detention. This statement coincides with the observance of the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists. The embassy has reiterated the demand for a thorough investigation into the controversial death of journalist Christopher Allen during South Sudan's civil conflict in 2017. According to Reporters Without Borders, South Sudan’s ranking has significantly plummeted to 136th on the World Press Index, a stark decline from 118th in 2023, signalling an increasing climate of impunity for crimes committed against journalists worldwide.