South_Sudan-CIA_WFB_Map

Randi Karangizi

Correspondent (Africa)

 

KHARTOUM – On Monday, Sudan and South Sudan began talks to “deploy an armed force to protect the oilfields in South Sudan” says Sudan’s foreign minister, Alki Karti. Karti has agreed to send 900 oil field technicians to assist with the protection forces. Rebels have taken hold of Bentiu, the capital of the oil-producing unity state.

Sudanese President Omar al Bashir flew to South Sudan to discuss the unrest between President Salva Kirr and former Vice President Riek Machar. Kirr accused Machar of initiating the violence that started on December 15. Machar denies allegations and has accused the president of orchestrating the violence.

Since December 15, 1,000 have been killed and more than 2,00,000 displaced. South Sudan parted from Sudan in 2011 with most of the oilfields. But it had to export its oil through Sudan. Thus, Oil Revenue has been disrupted in both nations and production has plummeted by 15% in Sudan. Sudan fears the three-week old conflict could continue to damage its economy. “There should be peace and security in South Sudan,” said Bashir.

The discussions are still hostile. The South Sudanese government has refused to meet Machar’s demand to release 11 of his political allies accused of plotting a coup. However, the government has agreed to end hostilities with rebel David Yau Yau fearing he too may join the rebellion.

Militiamen have also taken control of the UN food supplies in Bentiu. There is an increasing overflow of civilians fleeing from the violence between Machar’s Nuer tribe and Kirr’s Dinka community. “This makes it very, very difficult for us to continue our work — the sole purpose of which is reaching civilians in need,” said Toby Lanzer, the UN’s humanitarian co-ordinator in South Sudan.

Many NGO’s have left the country and resources are becoming even scarcer.

Image Courtesy: Directorate of Intelligence, United States Central Intelligence Agency, Released into the public domain¦ Wikimedia Commons

The following two tabs change content below.
Randi Karangizi

Randi Karangizi

Randi Karangizi is an architecture student at Newcastle University pursuing a career as an architect. She is interested in a range of global issues including sustainability and renewable energy. Her hobbies include photography, writing, traveling and playing hockey.
Randi Karangizi

Latest posts by Randi Karangizi (see all)