Sudan conflict is spreading to South Sudan, hurting oil trade and border stability - UN
According to Cong, RSF drone attacks on border-adjacent oil facilities in Port Sudan and Heglig in May and August caused oil spills, shutdowns and environmental damage, disrupting South Sudan's oil exports and shrinking its economy by about 24.5 per cent.
The United Nations has warned that Sudan's ongoing civil war is spreading instability into South Sudan, disrupting vital oil exports and worsening humanitarian needs along their shared border.
Addressing the body's Security Council on Wednesday, UN deputy special representative in South Sudan, Guang Cong, noted that the ongoing conflict between Sudan's army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has damaged Juba's already fragile economy, with oil exports through Sudan falling sharply.
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According to Cong, RSF drone attacks on border-adjacent oil facilities in Port Sudan and Heglig in May and August caused oil spills, shutdowns and environmental damage, disrupting South Sudan's oil exports and shrinking its economy by about 24.5 per cent.
Further, Cong noted that the ongoing conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives, displaced millions and created one of the world's most severe humanitarian crises, has pushed armed groups across the border, threatening peace in border areas.
"The conflict in Sudan continues to impact the security situation in South Sudan with cross-border movements of armed groups on both sides," Cong told the Council, according to TRT Afrika.
The violence has also displaced tens of thousands of people, with Cong adding that about 41,000 people fleeing the war in Sudan have crossed into Abyei, an oil-rich area claimed by both countries. The sudden influx has overwhelmed local communities already struggling with food, water and healthcare shortages.
"Bilateral engagement between Sudan and South Sudan on the final status of Abyei has been at a low point since the start of the war in Sudan," he said.
Additionally, Cong raised concern over the growing presence of RSF fighters in northern Abyei, saying their activities breach peace agreements and have led to illegal checkpoints along key routes.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, the UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, echoed Cong's concerns, stressing that the security situation in Abyei remains tense.
"I reiterate the call for the immediate withdrawal of all armed forces and other armed actors from Abyei, in conformity with the weapon-free status of Abyei," Pobee said, expressing concern that looming funding cuts could further undermine efforts to stabilise the border region.
According to Pobee, a 15 per cent budget reduction for the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) will strain operations by limiting personnel and resources available to monitor ceasefire violations and protect civilians.
She urged the international community to maintain support for peacekeeping and humanitarian activities in both Sudan and South Sudan, warning that the situation risks escalating without sustained action.
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