South Sudan seeks $25.3 million to reclaim control of airspace from Sudan

JUBA – South Sudan government announced on Friday that it requires approximately $25.3 million to regain control of its sovereign airspace from neighboring Sudan.

Speaking following a weekly cabinet meeting chaired by President Salva Kiir on Friday, deputy information minister Jacob Maiju Korok revealing that transport minister Madut Biar Yiel had presented a memorandum to the cabinet requesting the approval of the budget.

“Madut Biar, Minister of Transport, presented a memo requesting the cabinet to approve funds for the operation of Juba airspace control facilities to ensure the safety and efficiency of air transport in the country,” Korok stated.

He emphasized that taking full control of the airspace would enable South Sudan to register airlines and collect fees, a crucial step in bolstering the nation’s revenue.

“The total amount requested was $25.3 million, but the minister was advised to re-submit the memo to the infrastructure and economic clusters for further scrutiny before a final decision is made,” Korok added.

The Air Traffic Management System (ATMS) is a collaborative project between South Sudan and China, aimed at training South Sudanese technicians to manage the airspace.

The project includes the construction of the Juba ATMS center, a new air traffic control tower, a surveillance system, and other necessary infrastructure.

In 2016, South Sudan signed a three-year agreement with Sudan under the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to manage and control its airspace.

According to the agreement, South Sudan was to take over airspace control after training and acquiring a qualified workforce.

But in November last year, South Sudan signed an agreement with Sudan to manage its airspace control, giving the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) advantages such as the collection of intelligence against its rival RSF.

Despite efforts, the project faced setbacks. In 2022, construction stalled after China Harbor Engineering Company, the contractor, suspended work due to non-payment by the South Sudan government.

The ATMS project, funded through a $200 million concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China, is vital for South Sudan’s economic aspirations.

The Sudanese committee currently managing South Sudan’s airspace was directed by the cabinet to continue its role until South Sudan is fully prepared to assume control.

Once operational, South Sudan will be able to collect fees from all aircraft using its airspace, potentially generating tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue.