South Sudan seeks EU assistance for Red Sea oil export amid terrorists threat

JUBA – South Sudan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ramadan Mohammed Abdallah Goc has requested the European Union’s help in securing oil exports along the Red Sea.

On Monday, Goc held discussions with Timo Olkkonen, the head of the EU delegation in South Sudan, amidst the continuous blockade of the Red Sea. This blockade severely affects the crucial route for South Sudan’s oil to the international market. The blockade is attributed to the Yemen-based terrorist organization Houthis.

“The key topics discussed included the situation in the Red Sea, the European Union’s recently passed maritime security measures of February 8, and the forthcoming elections scheduled for the end of the year,” said Deng Deng Nhial, Director General for Bilateral Relations at the Foreign Ministry, in a statement following the meeting.

The meeting follows recent statements by South Sudan’s Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth regarding the terrorist organization’s activity in Yemen blocking crude oil exports.

“Even if the crude were to reach Port Sudan, it would still not be possible to ship it for sale due to the threat of a blockade of shipping in the Red Sea. So, apart from low production, there are physical difficulties confronting the oil sector,” said Makuei.

Nhial said Goc stressed the vital importance of maritime security for South Sudan’s goods transport. He urged the EU to work with the UN and African Union for a unified approach to maritime security.

Timo Olkkonen confirmed the focus on regional and maritime insecurity, particularly the Houthi threat on the Red Sea. He emphasized the EU’s commitment to safeguarding maritime traffic in the region.

“The purpose of the meeting was to address regional issues, particularly the situation in the Red Sea and the threat posed by Houthi activities in blocking international shipping,” said Olkkonen.

“The conversation also touched upon the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which has intensified and caused devastating conditions for the Sudanese people, and its impact on South Sudan,” he added.