By Yiep Joseph
Oil companies are urging Sudanese government to lift the force majeure declaration and provide adequate security for resumption of production.
This call was made during an oil sector stakeholders meeting held in Juba, last week.
Earlier this year, Sudan declared force majeure on South Sudan’s oil production following intense fighting with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The declaration halted production as the conflict intensified in areas near oil production sites.
The two-day workshop, according to state-owned television SSBC, brought together oil companies, petroleum ministries, and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for resuming oil flow.
While the meeting focused on readiness of DPOC/BAPCO facilities for oil production, a key demand emerged: the lifting of the force majeure declaration by the Sudanese government.
Stakeholders emphasized the need for government of Sudan to ensure protection of oil pipeline to enable smooth resumption of oil flow.
According to the statement, the stakeholders agreed to ensure that force majeure is lifted to allow the companies to approve the already designed model on oil resumption.
The discussion focused on addressing major challenges, including lifting of force majeure to allow partners to approve the integration oil resumption plan.
Stakeholders emphasized to the government of Sudan to ensure security along the pipeline and at all facilities to enable free access to materials.
However, after the meeting, the stakeholders agreed to ensure that the force majeure is lifted to allow oil sector institutions to embark on oil resumption.
“In their resolution, state holders agreed that both ministries MUST coordinate with their respective governments to address security issues and lift the force majeure by December 25th, 2024; this will pave the way for smooth execution of obligations by all parties,” the statement read.
“After the meeting, the government of South Sudan and the government of Sudan agreed to ensure security for the engineers and the materials in order to pave the way for the resumption of oil production,” it stated.
Since the halt of oil production, there have been several engagements with stakeholders and government promises to resume production.
However, significant challenges remain, particularly the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
The timeline for oil resumption remains uncertain, leaving the country grappling