South Sudan mulls building oil pipelines via Djibouti to revamp oil flow

JUBA – The South Sudanese government is exploring alternative options to export its oil following several failed attempts to resume oil flow through Sudan, where the ongoing civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has destroyed oil infrastructure.

The government announced that one such option involves constructing pipelines through Djibouti via Ethiopia to revitalize oil exports.

This revelation came after President Salva Kiir met with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) to discuss reforms in the oil sector, including improving production, building a new refinery, and strengthening the distribution network.

The presidency issued a statement stating that President Kiir, who is currently in China, met with the CNPC president to boost South Sudan’s oil sector.

The meeting, according to the presidency statement, proposed an alternative pipeline through Djibouti via Ethiopia to enhance export capabilities and support expanded extraction in Blocks 3 and 7.

Kiir reaffirmed his government’s commitment to unlocking the country’s oil potential and improving energy security to facilitate infrastructure projects.

In response, the President of CNPC, Dai Houliang, reiterated the corporation’s commitment to its strategic partnership with South Sudan. Mr. Dai highlighted key areas of collaboration that could yield mutual benefits.

With the South Sudanese government providing security assurances to ensure the safety of workers, the head of the Chinese corporation vowed to commit to the partnership.

“Mr. Dai also assured President Kiir of the corporation’s willingness to work closely with the South Sudanese team to ensure smooth flow operations of infrastructure projects and the continuous exploration of new oil reserves in the Country to propel equitable development,” said the presidency statement.

Meanwhile, the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum, Dr. Chol Thon, conveyed President Kiir’s vision for investment in green energies, signaling a progressive approach to energy development that aligns with global trends toward sustainability and inclusive diversification in energy sources.