South Sudan claims Sudanese demands will delay restart of oil production

South Sudan’s President, Salva Kiir, has stated that the resumption of oil production from the country has been delayed by new demands made by Sudan. According to Kiir, the delay was caused by rebel action in two Sudanese provinces: Blue Nile State and the Nuba Mountains in South Kordofan.

Kiir was quoted as saying, “We were supposed to resume oil production on November 15, five days ago. Suddenly Khartoum changed their minds, saying we must denounce the Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile.” Khartoum has claimed that Juba is backing the rebels, who found themselves left on the Sudanese side of the border after South Sudan seceded.

The announcement comes just days after the Sudanese foreign ministry announced to the press that Sudan was ready to receive shipments of South Sudanese oil.

This latest announcement has raised concerns over the stability of the agreements made by the two countries after months of African Union-mediated talks.

Edited from various sources by David Bizley

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